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From  the  collection  of 
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THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  ILLINOIS 
LIBRARY 


From  the  collection  of 
Julius  Doerner,  Chicago 
Purchased.,  1918. 

91142. 

C74v 


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I 


c 'i  4 ^ 


IflTf^ODUCTIOfl. 


fHE  Sketches  an<i  illustrations  contained  in  this  little  volume  are  of  features  and  localities  in  the  beautiful 
scenic  region  of  New  Hampshire.  By  far  the  greater  part  of  them  are  of  situations  among  the  mountains- 
but  occasionally  the  equally  attractive  and  impressive  lowlands  constituting  their  approaches  have  been 
drawn  upon  to  furnish  materials  for  this  collection.  It  is  not  pretended  that  the  list  of  superlatively  beautiful  spots 
n the  White  Mountains  and  their  neighborhoods  has  been  exhausted  in  this  presentation,  or  that,  from  artistic 
s andpomts,  the  very  best  of  these  that  could  have  been  selected  are  here  given  ; it  is  only  intended  that  herewith 
shall  be  given  in  a simple  and  yet  fairly  attractive  way,  illustrations  and  descriptions  outlining,  as  it  were  the  vast 
repository  of  beautiful  and  fascinating  natural  gems  of  which  this  region  is  the  casket,  so  to  speak.  In  every  part  of 
e mountains  and  gorges,  the  ravines  and  notches,  the  sloping  river  bottoms  and  the  hillside  sections  there  are 
points  and  localities  of  interest  of  which  the  representations  here  afforded  are  but  the  feeblest  types  ’There  are 
wonderful  formations,  the  results  of  convulsions  or  eccentricities  in  natural  action, -manifestation  of  the  graces  as 
v-ell  as  the  forces,  of  nature  lavishly  supplied  m every  part  of  these  wonderful  scenic  sections  of  the  Old  Granite 
surrounding^11  lllUStratl0HS  are  Slmply  the  indices.  the  suggestive  guide-posts  that  direct  to  more  satisfactory 

lea  ^rrrPle  S"PPOSe  that  ir\New  Ha«Pshire  scenery  the  mountain  neighborhoods  are  alone  of  interest  or  at 
least  that  these  sections  contain  about  all  there  is  of  satisfaction  and  gratification  for  the  novice  or  occasional  visitor 
or  the  Sequent  sojourner  as  well.  The  mistake  is  naturally  enough  made,  but  it  is  a mistake  nevertheless  The 
pastoral  neighborhoods  of  southern  and  middle  New  Hampshire  ; the  unrivalled  valleys  of  the  Merrimac  and  other 
rivers;  the  vicinities  of  the  great  lakes  and  inland  waters, -all  these  have  peculiar  charms  of  theHivn  whkh 
ascinate  as  thoroughly  and  satisfy  as  completely  as  the  actual  presence  of  the  more  rugged  features  of  the  mountain 


700814 


sections  can  possibly  do.  Especially  is  this  the  case  when  the  mountain  peaks  appear,  outlined  in  grandeur  and 
impressiveness  at  greater  or  less  distances,  as  they  frequently  are,  within  full  view  of  these  less  strongly  marked 
localities,  as  though  they  were  thus  irregularly  strewn  about  by  Dame  Nature  to  render  her  scenic  pictures  in  this 
state  more  marvellously  attractive.  Indeed,  it  will  be  found  — and  it  is  the  testimony  of  almost  every  traveller  in 
this  region  — that  the  mountains  are  the  sections  for  excursions,  and  the  valley  and  lowland  districts,  or  lake  and 
river  shores,  for  sojourning  or  protracted  residence. 

It  is  without  doubt  true,  however,  that  the  White  Mountains  have  a peculiar  fascination  of  their  own  that 
appeals  strongly  to  tourists  and  travellers  of  every  name  and  condition.  While  this  section  of  New  Hampshire  has 
been  often  compared  with  other  similar  portions  of  the  earth’s  surface,  and  is  not  infrequently  written  or  spoken  of 
as  “the  Switzerland  of  America,”  it  has  very  little  in  common  with  that  European  type  of  mountain  lands,  and 
differs  as  widely  in  all  features  and  characteristics  of  scenery  from  that  European  country  as  the  Merrimac  differs 
from  the  Amazon.  While  not  wanting  in  all  the  elements  of  grandeur  and  impressiveness  that  distinguish  sections 
that  have  been  torn  and  rent  and  upthrown  by  natural  forces,  these  mountain  neighborhoods  have  a certain  charm 
of  summer  delights  about  them  that  appeals  to  every  lover  of  nature  under  unusual  conditions  of  awe-inspiring 
situations  and  mysteries  that  supply  no  end  of  incentive  to  their  discovery  and  seeking-out.  The  White  Mountains 
are  mountains  indeed,  and  not  simply  elevations  of  earth  possessing  a few  mountain  features  and  characteristics; 
and  this  will  soon  be  understood  by  the  visitor  who  makes  their  acquaintance  or  who  essays  to  know  them 
thoroughly  in  every  part.  But  they  are  from  first  to  last  open  to  exploration,  though  this  may  be  attended  by 
difficulties  ; and  their  make-up  does  not  suffer  in  comparison  with  that  of  any  other  chain  or  grouping  in  the  world, 
while  they  are  within  the  limits  of  possible  familiar  acquaintance  to  every  one  who  cares  to  study  them  or  test  their 
experiences.  Their  situation  includes  every  kind  of  mountain  formation  except  the  active  volcanic  ; and  they  present 
under  different  circumstances  and  relations  clearly  defined  chains  and  ranges,  magnificent  groups,  large  and 
small,— and  isolated  bodies  and  peaks  that  stand  as  natural  monuments  for  the  wonder  of  the  races,  even  as  the 
pyramids  of  Egypt  artificially  distinguish  the  plains  of  that  section  of  the  world. 

But  if  the  mountains  have  thus  fascinations  of  their  own  for  all  comers,  and  abound  in  delights  unique  and  ever- 
satisfying  for  the  summer  seeker  especially,  the  lake  and  river  neighborhoods  of  the  state  have  no  lack  of  these 
characteristics,  though  they  appear  in  widely  different  forms.  Glorious  old  Winnipesaukee  ! that  magnificent  water 
sheet,  for  which  the  Indian  native  could  find  no  more  fitting  designation  than  “the  Smile  of  God,”  —can  there  be 
found  in  state  or  country  anywhere  a vision  of  more  perfect  rest  and  peace  and  natural  beauties  than  the  bit  of 
scenery  made  up  of  this  lake  and  its  surroundings  flashes  upon  the  visitor  ? Its  placid  waters,  mountain-locked  and 


island-dotted,  and  clear  and  limpid  as  the  streams  from  which  they  are  fed.  have  as  readily  commended  themselves 
and  proved  as  irresistible  to  the  poet  and  painter  since  their  acquaintance  was  first  made  as  have  the  waters  and  the 
shores  of  the  Mediterranean  for  centuries  past.  Here  mountain  and  lowland  scenery,  the  grandest  land  and  water 
effects,  blend  in  a way  unequalled  and  rarely  rivalled  elsewhere  on  the  earth’s  surface.  And  this  is  the  situation 
not  alone  with  regard  to  Winnipesaukee  and  its  neighborhoods,  but  in  countless  sections  on  every  side  of  the  White 
Mountains  in  this  state,  the  localities  taking  place  under  myriad  features  and  conditions  of  surroundings  and 
circumstances,  but  always  essentially  presenting  the  characteristics  that  distinguish  that  upon  which  the  Creator 
so  signally  smiled. 

Into  this  region,  and  traversing  all  these  sections,  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  system  penetrates  as  minis- 
tering and  beneficent  agency  in  the  development,  service  and  visitation  of  them  all.  It  follows  the  valley  of  the 
Merrimac  and  the  windings  and  turnings  of  that  beautiful  river  from  the  state  line  of  Massachusetts  to  the  lake  — 
old  Winnipesaukee  — in  which  it  takes  its  rise.  Still  farther  northward  it  runs  along  the  banks  of  the  Connecticut 
River  on  the  extreme  west  of  the  great  mountains  and  ranges ; pursues  the  course  of  the  Ammonoosuc  from  its 
mouth  to  its  sources  on  the  side  of  hoary  Mt.  Washington  ; threads  the  valley  of  the  Pemigewasset,  among  its 
crooked  pines  and  crossing  its  mad  streams  ; traverses  the  tablelands  among  and  north  of  the  Ammonoosuc  neigh- 
borhoods ; and  winds  in  and  out  among  the  grand  old  mountains,  skirting  their  bases  and  puffing  its  smoke  and 
steam-clouds  among  the  trees  that  rise  along  their  sides  in  every  direction.  Its  connections  are  with  every  trunk 
or  direct  line  leading  into  the  mountain  region  from  any  point  of  the  compass.  Its  service  is  of  the  best  known  in 
transportation,  — frequent,  rapid,  comfortable,  safe  ! On  all  sides  and  for  every  desirable  nook  and  corner  and  sum- 
mering-place  in  this  grand  old  state  it  is  a direct  and  ever-ready  highway. 


JUj4CTIOfi. 


JTjijTHE  southern  terminus  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  system  is  at  Nashua,  N.H.  At  this  point  is  a 
"p>  union  railway  station,  upon  the  site  known  as  Nashua  Junction,  and  into  it  lead  the  lines  of  the  Nashua  and 
Acton  Branch  of  the  Concord  & Montreal,  the  Southern  and  Worcester,  Nashua  and  Portland  Divisions  of  the 
Boston  & Maine  Railroad,  connecting  with  Providence,  Worcester  and  Fall  River,  and  the  main  line  of  the  Concord 
& Montreal  as  aforesaid.  Nashua  lies  upon  the  line  between  the  States  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire,  and 
is  at  the  confluence  of  two  rivers,  the  Nashua  and  the  Merrimack.  In  olden  times  the  territory  of  this  city  formed  a 
part  of  the  town  of  Dunstable,  and  some  of  the  fiercest  of  the  ravages  of  King  Philip  and  his  Indian  followers  were 
experienced  in  this  neighborhood.  The  present  Nashua  was  not  settled  by  the  whites  until  considerably  within 
the  present  century ; and,  with  all  its  thrift  and  attainments,  it  is  really  one  of  the  youngest  community  establish- 
ments in  New  Hampshire,  or  in  New  England.  The  place  is  a lively  manufacturing  centre,  the  water-power  being 
furnished  by  Nashua  River,  through  a canal  three  miles  long,  sixty  feet  wide  and  eight  feet  deep,  with  a fall  of 
thirty-six  feet.  Nashua  became  a city  in  1853;  and  it  is  hard  to  realize  that  so  late  as  1803  its  site  was  a “pine 
barren  ’’  — a sandy  plain  covered  with  pine  trees.  At  present  its  streets  are  broad  and  well  lighted,  with  fine  shade 
trees  in  every  part  and  upon  the  estates  adjoining.  Its  community  is  progressive  and  of  the  true  New  England 
type.  Its  situation  is  rural  and  eminently  healthful,  and  its  suburb  and  neighborhoods  have  very  much  of  the 
peculiar  beauties  that  distinguish  New  England  localities.  Its  territory  is  hilly  and  rolling,  and  numerous  roads 
leading  in  every  direction  afford  the  finest  drives.  The  Merrimack  River  runs  directly  through  the  centre  of  the 
territory.  On  either  side  of  it  for  miles,  northward  and  southward,  this  river  shows  the  marked  peculiarities  and 
beauties  which  have  made  it  the  delight  of  poets  and  imaginative  mortals  for  centuries.  In  closing  his  apostrophe 
to  the  Merrimack,  Whittier  says  : — 


“O  stream  of  the  mountains!  if  answer  of  thine 
Could  rise  from  thy  waters  to  questions  of  mine, 

Methinks,  through  the  din  of  thy  thronged  banks,  a moan 
Of  sorrow  would  swell  for  the  days  which  have  gone. 


“Not  for  thee  the  dull  jar  of  the  loom  and  the  wheel, 
The  gliding  of  shuttles,  the  ringing  of  steel ; 

But  that  old  voice  of  waters,  of  bird  and  of  breeze, 
The  dip  of  the  wild  fowl,  the  rustling  of  trees.” 


LiAI^E  JVTASSABESIC. 


fHE  traveller  for  the  first  time  entering  the  city  of  Manchester,  via  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  will 
be  likely  to  fancy  that  here  is  no  summering  establishment,  no  attractiveness  of  nature  or  community  in 
this  locality,  that  would  be  likely  to  woo  the  visitor  to  any  protracted  sojourn  or  tarry  at  this  season  of 
the  year.  Looking  upon  the  long  lines  of  brick-built  factories  and  mills  succeeding  each  other  in  seemingly 
endless  provision  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  the  equally  compact  and  elaborate  rows  of  buildings  of  the  same 
material  that  occupy  entirely  the  side-hills  on  the  east, — the  fitting  adjuncts  of  this  immense  aggregate  of  mill 
construction,  — he  will  be  apt  to  conclude  that  the  city  has  usurped  the  place  of  the  country  hereabouts,  and  that 
the  centre  is  one  of  hard,  dry,  thriving  business  interests,  rather  than  of  rural  and  pastoral  delights  and  pleasures. 

But  even  a short  experience  in  investigating  the  merits  and  features  of  the  place  will  show  him  how  great  a 
mistake  he  has  made  in  thus  concluding.  In  this  part  of  the  valley  the  Merrimac  has  cut  its  way,  by  the  action  of 
centuries,  through  what  was  once  an  elevated  plain  ; and  it  now  occupies  a gorge  of  its  own  making,  its  waters 
tumbling  many  feet,  within  a comparatively  short  distance,  over  and  among  ledges  and  crags  and  rock-masses  — the 
noted  Amoskeag  Falls,  which  the  Indians  knew  and  named  long  enough  before  any  representatives  of  the  whites 
had  made  settlement  in  the  region.  The  plain  thus  cut  in  twain  is  now  occupied  by  the  city  whose  factories  almost 
entirely  hide  the  ancient  falls  from  the  view  of  the  passenger  on  the  railroad  train. 

But  the  sojourner  in  Manchester  soon  discovers  that  he  has  not  far  to  go  to  find  the  city  limits,  and  that  outside 
these,  even  before  he  has  passed  beyond  the  sight  of  red  brick  walls,  there  are  natural  beauties  and  situations  that 
would  prove  attractive  anywhere  ; and  that  the  environs  of  ancient  Amoskeag  have  countless  beauties  of  their  own 
for  the  delectation  of  all  who  care  to  explore  them. 

About  four  miles  eastward  from  the  city,  ensconced  among  fine  wood-growths  and  fair  New  England  hills,  is 
Lake  Massabesic,  which  forms  one  of  the  foremost  of  the  natural  attractions  of  the  Manchester  neighborhoods. 
No  water-sheet  could  possibly  exceed  this  lake  in  irregularity  of  outline  ; for,  though  only  four  miles  across  in  its 
widest  part,  it  has  thirty-one  miles  of  winding  shore-line.  Practically  Massabesic  presents  a pair  of  twin  lakes, 
divided  by  a narrow  ridge  of  sand  beach,  the  opening  at  the  upper  end  of  which  furnishes  the  only  water  connec- 
tion between  the  two  parts.  In  this  lake  are  fish  in  plenty,  of  the  kinds  usual  in  the  large  ponds  of  northern  New 
England.  On  its  shores  and  the  lands  receding  from  them  the  summer  establishments  of  cottages,  chalets,  villas, 
boat-houses,  and  the  like  are  strewn  abundantly,  and  the  most  is  made  of  a situation  delightsome  in  all  its  features, 
and  which  combines  in  its  attractions  the  best  characteristics  of  summer  life  in  New  England.  A view  of  a section 
of  this  lake  faces  this  sketch. 


HOHTH  WEARE  BRAHCfl. 


fHE  branches  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  that  are  offshoots  of  its  main  line  below,  or  southward 
from  Concord  possess  very  largely  the  characteristics  of  the  Merrimack  Valley  route,  so  far  as  territory, 
scenery  natural  situations,  etc.,  are  concerned.  They  have  mostly  rivers  and  water  systems  of  their  own, 
with  the  usual  accompaniments  of  valley,  meadow  and  intervale  lands,  and  rural  and  country  attributes  generally. 
Along  these  branches  towns,  villages  and  hamlets,  farming  and  manufacturing  establishments,  and  the  almost 
invariable  manifestations  accompanying  New  England  life  in  all  sections,  succeed  continually.  In  these  portions  of 
territory  are  found  the  real  town  life  of  the  State,  where  summer  and  winter  its  communities  pursue  the  even  tenor 
of  their  way  progressive,  thrifty  and  strongly  attached  to  and  believing  in  their  commonwealth.  In  summer  time 
these  sections  become  the  temporary  abodes  of  thousands  of  visitors  to  the  State ; and  it  is  doubtless  true  that  the 
farmhouses  and  homesteads  of  the  southern  half  of  New  Hampshire  attract  more  sojourners  every  year  than  does 
the  more  wildly  picturesque  mountain  region,  celebrated  and  widely  known  as  it  is.  The  summer  homes  of  the 
Old  Granite  State  are  in  its  quiet,  peaceful  and  healthgiving  valley  and  farming  portions. 

Of  these  branches  of  the  lower  Concord  & Montreal  system,  that  running  from  Manchester  to  North  Weare 
comes  as  nearly  as  any  within  the  descriptions  above  given.  This  branch  extends  northwestward  between  the 
noints  just  named,  and  includes  the  villages  of  Weare,  Goffstown,  Bedford,  etc.,  within  its  service  The  road  is  laid 
through  the  valley  of  the  Piscataquog  River,  following  closely  the  windings  of  the  stream  ; and  these  villages  form 
a nart  of  the  valley  community  establishment.  None  of  them  are  large  m population,  business,  or  manufacturing 
interests  ■ but  they  succeed  each  other  so  closely  that  the  branch  may  be  said  to  be  laid  from  end  to  end  through 
one  continuous  village,  with  convenient  points  for  stoppage  provided  along  the  whole  way  For  summer  homes, 
and  temporary  abiding  places  during  the  outing  season,  these  neighborhoods  are  unsurpassed  anywhere.  They  are 
sufficiently  near  the  mountains  to  be  influenced  by  their  clear,  cool  breezes  by  day  and  night.  All  the  conditions 

are  of  rest,  soothing  and  renovation  for  humanity.  _ 

On  the  line  of  this  branch,  and  about  five  miles  from  Parker’s  station,  is  the  little  village  of  New  Boston.  New 
Boston  is  a typical  portion  of  the  section  in  all  the  characteristics  of  temporary  homes  for  summer  visitors  and 
soiourners,  and  is  one  of  the  most  charming  nooks  imaginable,  with  natural  attractions  of  the  kind  most  sough  by 
weary  and  jaded  humanity.  This  locality  receives  its  full  quota  of  guests  from  the  outside  world  with  the  return 

of  every  summer  season. 


HOOKSETT. 


7TOHE  valley  of  the  Merrimac  is  almost  uniformly  characterized  by  rural,  pastoral  scenery  and  its  distinguishing 
^ natural  qualities  are  those  of  quiet  and  restfulness  on  every  hand.  The  river  indeed  is  swift-running  but  t 
1 is  rarely  tumultuous  or  of  rapid  descent : while  its  banks  slope  gently  upwards  on  either  side,  the  land  swell- 
ing into  undulations  and  hill  formations  incessantly  succeeding  as  they  recede,  this  form  of  scenery  often  occupy ’“g 
for  miles  together  with  no  striking  or  unusual  departure  from  the  rule  to  mark  its  prevalence.  Occasionally,  how- 
ever this  monotony  is  relieved  or  wholly  broken  by  manifestations  more  or  less  nearly  approaching  the  reverse 
these  Wild  disorder  takes  the  place  of  serene  quietude;  ragged  and  rugged  semi-mountainous  heights  app 
instead  of  fairly  rounded  hilltops  ; and  the  waters  are  found  rushing  and  tumbling  over  obstructions  or  throug 
gorges  or  channels  deep-cut  in  rocky  beds,  their  surfaces  flecked  with  foam  masses,  or  torn  and  rent  ate  the  man 
Sf  6 pet  ranids  The  river  scenery  at  such  points  becomes  no  less  interesting- and  attractive  to  the  beho  de  . 
S.rvma“oYroS.t  is  planted  I.  the  midst  of  one  of  these  oee.sion.f  depart.,,.  ™ 

scenery  of  the  Merrimac.  It  is  a manufacturing  centre  of  considerable  importance;  and  some  of  its  prmc  p 
scenery  of  tne  m masses  ^ rushm  struggilng  waters  and  wild 

cTnoenttS  a.  though*.  mini.ture  fraB„e„,  from  the  hear,  of  Franconia  or  the 
bases  of  the  Presidential  Kante  had  been  transported  hither,  to  remind  the  visitor  that  not  alone  the  softest  features 
, 4 i „„„„  the  face  of  the  Old  Granite  State.  Some  distance  above  the  village  the  river  begins  to  fall, 

TnTlsitVasses  though  the  settled  portion,  it  tumbles  sixteen  feet  over  rocks  and  ledges  that  convert  its  waters 
into’ a most  picturesquJ  fall,  while  their  descent  gives  them  large  power  for  manufacturing  purposes.  Below  he 
falls  the  river  courses  furiously  for  some  distance  before  it  resumes  again  its  usual  quiet  and  smooth-flowing  hab  . 

Near  the  left  bank  of  the  river  going  north,  and  in  the  west  part  of  the  territory  of  Hooksett  Pinnacle  Mountain 
rises  ragged  and  monumental  in  appearance  to  a considerable  height  above  its .surrounding. s>  apP&^ 

height  is  largely  an  exaggeration,  growing  out  of  the  lowland  features  in  the  midst  of  which  it  is  found.  This 

hi 

with  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  at  this  station. 


PITTSpIEIiD. 


« y~\  j o_  TVTnntrpal  'Railroad  leading  off  the  main  line  south  of  Concord,  the  Sun- 

F the  branches  of  the  Concord  £ accgOUnt  of  its  natural  scenery  and  fine  village  sites 

cook  Valley  Branch  . ,.  the  Suncook  Valley  lies  along  the  course  of  the  Suncook  River; 

and  improvements.  As  the  name  ffoffl  Hooksett  to  Centre  Barnstead, 

and  the  branch  taking  this  nam  ^ Chichester  and  Pittsfield  in  its  route.  The  junction  of  this  branch  with 

;r1UdSe'ifi0Su“  ook  ..o«L  above  Hooksete  and  sixty-eight  mile,  from  Boston.  Snncook  is  not  a town, 

both  river  nd  min 

“ c™eLd  beautifully  bordered  with  eims  and  shade  tree,  and 
through  most  attractive  aceoety  allttie  way.  drM.nceof  ^ fonn,j  riv„  bottoms 

The  scenic  fea  ures  . , picturesque  This  valley  is  eminently  a dairy  neighborhood,  and 

~n  ne.hborhood.  Xhis  va.iey  i,  one  o,  the 

finest  in  the  State  for  aumme. ““.ThttS’the  LISTthe  picture  facing  this  sketch,  one  of 
Twenty  mile,  from  Hooksett  on  tbisbmnch  he,  Mtth^  ^ ^ Ume  (ia^,  Pitls6eia  is 

the  most  thriving,  enterpns  g,  P ce„tre  of  quite  extensive  business  and  trading  enterprises.  The 

the  home  of  the  Governor  of  the  S , „„ro.P  which  in  the  course  of  centuries,  it  has  cut  in  the  hilly 

Suncook  River  at  th^P°^\l°WS^  n™^u  p- eTasteep  bluff  overlooking  this  gorge,  with  its  manufacturing  establish- 
formation  hereabouts,  and  the  tow  P remar£ably  beautiful>  and  the  place  has  become  very  popular  as  a 

ments  near  the  water-side.  The  situ  farms  wbere  numerous  summer  visitors  are  entertained  every 

“Sima'S""- ridge  known  a.  'catam.n.t  Mountain,  from  the  top  of  which  the  ocean 
and  many  Northern  mountain  peaks  may  be  seen. 


COHCOIRD  STATION. 


™hE  passenger  station  at  Concord  of  the 

kind  known  among  the  railways..  Its  en  ire  e serviceable  and  convenient  of  buildings. 

1 in  design,  construction  and  ^ ^ depot  presents  a very  striking  picture,  and  the 

Tn  noint  of  finish,  ornamentation  and  arch  favorable  to  every  onlooker. 

impression  produced  by  its  general  appearance  is  pleasing  building  is  2g0  feet  long  and  65  feet  wide, 

The  style  of  the  building  is  of  the  English  renaissanc  constructed  of  dark  red  brick,  with 

and  contains  three  completely  finished  stones  a basement  and  an  attic.^  ^ ^ red  otta 

: Ti.  — - — - - * - part,cuary 

rotunda  ia  open  to  tire  roof,  exposing  tie  massive  oak ^timbera  ove  corre,p„„ding  with  the  general  style 

natural  woods,  with  maps  and  traeenes  upon > the  wf « » paceful  iron  wort  lead  to  galleries  of  the 

of  the  edifice  The  floor  is  tiled  with  marble.  Staircases  ot  g general  offices  of  the  company  in  the 

,n",i,i”a  *par,”e”,s'  e“h  part  in  k“pi"e ""y  ; 
£ ^rS^tlon  any  tfud  o,  station  husiuess  dud  per, ee, 

facilities  at  this  point. 


CONCORD  — THE  STATE  JiOtJSE. 

, . , •_  hllilt  alonK  the  west  bank  of  the  Merrimack 

/CONCORD  is  the  capital  of  the  State  of  New  Hamps > ire,  d i t River.  The  city  was  originally 

g River,  at  a point  abont  equidistant  its  territory.  At  that  time  this  section  of 

called  Pennacook,  from  the  Pennacook  Indians  ^ ^ , the  Indians  soon  after  vacating. 

New  England  was  a part  of  Massachusetts,  ut  was  ^ran  resided  here  for  many  years,  and  who  left  his 

In  ,733  L place  was  ca„ed  Rnmford,  «ro„  C»».  ^ ka,  ev„  do«.  Al.eewa.d. 

impress  upon  the  institutions,  memorials  and  history  of  t y cUim[  the  place  ; and  before  the  whole  matter 

the  place  was  called  Bow,  the  proprietors  of  the  town  of  that  1 grant  had  no  vaiUe,  all  parties 

could  be  settled,  the  New  Hampshire  courts  . io„  who  decided  in  favor  of  the  people  of  Rnmford 

In  05“ 

W“co™oS“““b‘aS,Mly  .itua.cd  o. high groun d that i.  leveM 

elevation.  It.  outlook,  are  over  man,  m.le.  of  the  f.>r«st vall.ja  of  Hew  England  scenery, 

by  the  Merrimack  and  other  water  surfaces,  andp  resell  % . as  the  wagon  works,  the  largest  in  the  world, 

Within  its  limits  are  the  headquarters  of  many  manufactories,  harnesses,  etc.,  etc.  Within  its  limits 

the  products  of  which  are  known  in  every  country  furn  ^ ^ tfae  construction  of  public  buildings  in 

are  inexhaustible  quarries  of  finest  granite,  which  has  be  g Y pennacooki  within  the  northern  borders  of 

various  sections.  Its  water  supply  is  unusually  fine  ^ the  city  has  grown  considerably  on  the  east  side 

the  city.  Numerous  bridges  cross  the  Merrimack  at  th ® ^ J are  bgf0ad  and  attractive,  great  numbers 

of  the  river  within  recent  years.  The  streets  and  thoroug  f ^ Public  buildings  and  institutions  are  of  fre- 

of  venerable  shade  trees  enhancing  their  otherwise  tall  thousand))  among  which  the  State  Asylum  for  the 

quent  occurrence,  relatively  to  the  size  of  the  population  (fift  th  ^ are  prominent.  The  Capitol  is  a fine 

Insane,  St.  Paul’s  School,  the  Union  Railroad  Station and [ t £ uponMain  Street.  The  architecture 

££2;  s o. — .nd 


ST.  PAUli’S  SCHOOIi. 


TaN  the  little  village  of  Millville,  two  miles  out  westward  from  the  business  centre  of  Concord,  is  the  educational 
I establishment  known  as  St.  Paul’s  School.  Millville  is  beautifully  situated  naturally,  with  surrounding  hills 
receding  in  successions  on  almost  every  side,  a lakelet  and  a diminutive  river  within  the  basin  or  intervale  in 
which  it  is  ensconced,  and  the  fairest  pastoral  and  varied  rural  scenes  characterizing  the  outlooks  m all  directions. 
The  school  establishment  is  the  centre  of  an  intensely  busy  and  progressive,  but  thoroughly  quiet  and  peaceful, 
country  life,  a hive  of  industry  set  up  in  a retired  nook  as  it  were,  whose  inmates  and  belongings  and  interests  have 
apparently  little  to  do  with  the  outside  world,  but  where  the  hum  of  continual  enterprise  never  ceases. 

St.  Paul’s  School  is  a Concord  institution.  The  grounds  upon  which  it  stands  were  originally  known  as  the 
“ Shattuck  Farm,”  and  were  given  to  the  institution  at  its  founding  in  1855,  by  Dr.  G.  C.  Shattuck,  of  Boston.  In 
the  years  that  have  passed  since  its  beginning  it  has  become  widely  known  as  one  of  the  finest  schools  for  boys  in 
the  country,- in  the  world  in  fact,- and  the  great  cities  of  the  Union  have  sent  representatives  of  their  best  families 
thither  ever  since  its  foundation.  Its  special  province  is  the  preparation  of  boys  for  all  colleges  and  universities, 
and  its  work  may  be  said  to  be  exclusively  in  this  branch.  Essentially  it  is  an  Episcopal  foundation,  and  its 

present  establishment,  endowments,  government  and  management  are  all  within  that  denomination 

At  present  St.  Paul’s  has  three  hundred  and  fifty  pupils.  It  is  divided  into  Upper  and  Dower  Schools  for  which 
four  large  buildings  have  been  provided,  the  pupils  being  classified  according  to  years  A large  school  building 
for  the  older  boys  was  added  in  1891.  There  are  also  special  buildings  for  the  youngest  boys,  the  extremes  of  age 
being  carefully  kept  apart.  For  other  buildings  there  is  an  infirmary  ; a gymnasium  completely  fitted,  with  a large 
hall  in  its  upper  story ; buildings  for  dwellings,  fitted  up  in  every  respect  like  the  largest  first-class  hotels  a"d  cot' 
tage  residences  for  members  of  the  Faculty.  The  old  Chapel  still  remains ; but  two  years  ago  the  Chapel  of  Saint 
Peter  and  Saint  Paul  was  built  at  a cost  of  $100,000.  This  chapel  has  a surpliced  choir  of  forty  boys  one  of  the 
finest  in  the  denomination.  A large  farm  forms  part  of  the  establishment,  which  furnishes  vegetables,  fruits, 
dairy  products,  etc.,  far  in  excess  of  all  the  needs  of  the  school.  Every  modern  appliance  and  convenience  for 
school  and  domestic  life  is  to  be  found  in  this  establishment.  The  drive  out  to  St.  Paul’s,  from  the  city  centre,  is 
one  of  the  finest  in  the  neighborhoods  of  the  latter. 


TILiTOH. 


was  here  situated,  at  the  head  of  Eittle  B y.  q{  students.  Here,  also,  upon  a breezy 

the  New  Hampshire  Seminary  and  Female  Co  eSe>  w f Disabled  Soldiers,  of  recent  estab- 

and  most  beautiful  site  a few  miles  out  from  the  village,  i the  State  Home  ior  Dg  ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

lishment,  but  of  most  thorough  and  effective  place  . and  witbin  this  hall  are  the  portraits  of  Samuel 

Esquire,  the  present  representative  o Tn  every  nart  of  the  town  the  generosity  and  benefi- 

and  Alexander  H.  Tilton,  from  whom  the  name  desce, "^”"1  eat  variety  and  beauty.  The  Winnipe- 
cence  of  the  Tiltons  are  tllustrated  by  establishmen  railroad  station  and  within  the  village,  npon 

saukee  River  flows  through  this  town ; and  as  or  is  an  Tnt  Upon  lofty  heights  overlooking  the 

an  island  in  this  river,  is  a charming  summer  house  built  ^Napoleonic  Triumphal  Arch  of 

village  stands  a granite  arch,  a reproduction,  m m P . ^ sc’attered  about  in  various  localities  within 

the  Champs  Elysee  in  Paris.  Statues  an  gur  bome  attachments  of  the  representatives  of  the 

the  streets  and  public  places,  all  testifying  to  t e pu  P outlooks  from  the  hilltops  and  high  lands  are 

Tilton  name.  The  territory  of  the  site  « broken  a charming  Merrimack  and  its  valley, 
extremely  fine.  At  this  place  the  traveller  ^^ery  of  the  mountain  region.  At  East  Tilton 

*e  landscapes,  and  large  bodies  of  water  close  at  hand  from  the 

the  mT  nT  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Rail_ 

road.  This  branch  has  recently  been  completed,  and  runs  through  fine  rural  section  . 


GA$DriEt*’S  g^oVE. 


fHE  Tilton  and  Belmont  Branch  is  the  title  of  one  of  the  latest  offshoots  from  the  main  line  of  the  Concord 
& Montreal  Railroad.  As  the  name  implies,  this  branch  connects  the  towns  of  Tilton  and  Belmont,  and  is 
only  about  seven  miles  in  length.  Belmont  lies  well  up  among  the  foothills  of  the  Belknap  Range,  and  with 
Guilford  and  Gilmington  occupies  an  intervale  section  between  the  Winnipesaukee  River  and  the  mountains  of 
unequalled  loveliness  and  attractions  in  summer  — the  very  Acadia  of  pilgrims  from  abroad. 

The  characteristic  community  life  of  these  sections  is  of  farm  and  country  homestead  establishments.  Though 
near  the  centres  of  the  busy  world,  and  within  easy  distance  in  every  part  of  the  lines  of  the  great  railroad  above- 
mentioned,  the  hamlets  and  villages  along  this  branch  and  under  the  shadow,  as  it  were,  of  the  beautiful  mountain 
range  that  alone  lifts  its  peaks  south  of  Rake  Winnipesaukee,  present  the  very  epitome  of  all  that  is  restful  and 
rural  in  New  Hampshire  summer  home  life,  and  offer  charms  to  the  health  or  recreation  seeker  impossible  to  be 
resisted  when  recognized.  In  all  directions  the  country  is  broken  and  rolling,  with  the  best  of  carriage  roads  wind- 
ing over  or  around  the  successions  of  hills,  and  with  lake  or  river  or  mountain  never  too  far  away  to  render  these 
objective  points  for  beautiful  drives  or  pedestrian  excursions,  and  offering  the  finest  rewards  to  the  visitor  when 


they  have  been  reached. 

About  half-way  between  Tilton  and  Belmont,  and  near  the  line  of  this  branch  railroad,  is  Gardner’s  Grove  : one 
of  those  primitive,  woodsy,  naturally  prepared  localities  of  the  old  Granite  State  that  seem  to  have  been  designed 
especially  for  the  delectation  of  excursion  makers  and  picnicers,  and  which  apparently  serve  no  other  earthly 
purpose  than  to  furnish  a theatre  for  the  delights  and  pastimes  of  the  summer  season.  No  grove  is  complete  with- 
out its  accompanying  water-sheet;  and  Gardner’s  Grove  is  peculiarly  favored  in  this  respect,  having  a beautiful 
pond,  or  lakelet,  in  its  midst,  with  fine  sandy  beach  shores  and  excellent  scenic  qualities  on  every  side. . Upon  the 
shores  the  cottages  and  camping  stations  of  its  regular  summer  visitors  are  to  be  found,  with  such  buildings  and 
constructions  as  are  necessary  for  the  entertainment  of  the  summer  population  of  the  neighborhoods.  Facilities  for 
boating  on  the  pond,  and  for  every  description  of  appropriate  sporting  and  pastime  on  the  land  or  water,  are  in  full 
provision.  For  camping  parties  here  and  hereabouts  the  attractions  are  numerous  indeed  ; and  so  retired  and 
primitively  natural  is  the  locality  that  one  can  easily  believe  himself  within  the  ancient  wilds  of  the  region,  although 
he  may  be  scarcely  beyond  the  shrill  warning  of  the  locomotive,  or  the  dull  roar  of  the  passing  train. 


nflcor4ifl. 


WiROM  the  southwestern  corner  of  hake  Winnipesaukee  a chain  of  lesser  lakes  or  large  ponds  extends  south- 
W ward  for  many  miles,  until  they  find  a limit  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Tilton  territory.  _ The  outlet  of 
Winnipesaukee  is  through  this  chain  of  lakelets;  and  the  final  collection  of  their  waters  is  m that  swift- 
moving  stream,  the  Merrimack  River.  The  largest  body  of  the  constituents  of  this  chain  is  that  nearest  the 
great  lake  itself,  and  is  usually  known  as  Great  Pond,  but  more  properly  as  Take  Winnisquam  an  Indian  title 
signifying  “beautiful  water.”  Winnisquam  is  about  nine  miles  in  length,  and  is  two  miles  across  at  its  widest 
point  “Beautiful  water”  indeedit  is,  dotted  with  lovely  islets  in  all  its  upper  portions,  surrounded  by  finely 
wooded  hills,  the  reflections  of  which  in  its  waters  make  series  of  the  finest  summer  pictures  ; and  a centre,  m sum- 
mer and  winter  alike,  of  delights  and  sports  and  pastimes  such  as  no  inland  water-sheet  in  New  England  can  excel. 

Along  the  eastern  shore  of  Take  Winnisquam  lies  the  town  of  Tacoma,  its  northern  limits  only  a mile  or  two 
removed  from  the  mouth  of  Winnipesaukee,  while  on  the  east  its  territory  reaches  into  the  Belknap  sections 
and  on  the  south  joins  Tilton.  A town  of  factories  and  varying  industries  and  artificial  productions  is  this,  full  of 
the  life  and  energy  that  characterize  such  centres,  and  presenting,  it  must  be  owned,  some  strong  contrasts  with  the 
wonderfully  fine  natural  scenery  surrounding.  Nevertheless,  within  its  village  lines  are  fine  headquarters  for  the 
summer  visitor  or  sojourner,  from  which  excursions  as  frequent  as  desired  may  be  made  to  points  where  nature 
still  holds  her  primitive  forms,  wears  her  primeval  vestments,  and  appears  under  the  sun  as  when  fresh  from  the 

a half  to  the  northeast,  and  so  near  the  south  shore  of  Take  Winnipesaukee  as  to  fairly  over- 
look it  ancient  Mount  Belknap  lifts  its  head,  one  of  the  most  symmetrical  and  nicely  proportioned  of  mountains 
The  ™t“okS from  Mount  Belknap  fairly  .nrpas.  those  from  Red  Hill,  and  include,  beaide,  W,„„,pe..uke.  and 
the  lakes  and  mountains  adjacent,  fine  views  of  the  Presidential  and  Franconia  ranges  and  even  a section  o 
the  Atlantic  coast  scenery  along  the  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  and  Massachusetts  shores.  The  hills  about  Tacoma 
village  also  afford  excellent  views  over  great  sections  of  country,  that  enhance  the  natural  attractiveness  of  tlieir 
situations.  The  intervales  between  Take  Winnisquam  and  the  bases  of  the  Belknap  Range  comprise  rich  farm- 
ing lands  and  are  made  up  of  those  restful,  quiet,  and  winsome  localities  which  have  so  largely  gained  or  ew 
Hampshire  its  reputation  as  a summering  state.  In  all  these  sections  the  summer  boarding-house  forms  a most 
important  and  characteristic  feature. 


IiAI^E  SfiO^E 


fNTIL  very  recently  the  entire  south  shore  of  Lake  Winnipesaukee,  from  Lake  Village  on  the  west  to  Alton  Bay 
on  the  east  —a  distance  of  nearly  twenty  miles,  — had  been  left,  with  a few  exceptions,  in  the  unreclaimed  and 
primitive  state  which  characterized  it  when  the  Indian  alone  formed  the  population  of  the  region  and  called 
himself  sole  owner  of  its  sections.  Here  and  there  along  this  border  land  there  came  to  be  in  the  course  of  time  a 
few  settlers’  or  farmers’  establishments,  appearing  not  half  so  frequently,  however,  on  this  shore  as  did  mighty 
mountains  in  the  magnificent  view  on  its  opposite.  The  lake  fishermen,  the  sportsmen,  and  the  pedestrian  tourist 
also  learned  to  know  this  adjunct  of  the  lake  more  or  less  intimately,  and  always  with  the  result  that  these  wan- 
derers  had  remarkable  tales  to  tell  of  magnificent  outlooks  over  the  most  fascinating  scenes,  — grand  pictures  of  the 
lake  and  its  islands  from  standpoints  such  as  could  be  found  nowhere  else,  and  new  revelations  of  the  wealth  of 
beauties  belonging  to  old  Winnipesaukee  that  characterize  this  shore.  And  they  were  right.  Level  and  monotonous 
almost  to  tameness  in  comparison  with  every  other  of  the  surroundings  of  this  wonderful  lake,  the  immediate 
vicinities  of  its  southern  shores  have  yet  an  interest  and  attractiveness  superior  in  some  respects  to  anything  that  is 
presented  elsewhere  on  its  coasts.  The  views  of  mountain  tracts  and  peaks  and  sides  afforded  all  along  the  upper 
half  of  this  shore  have  no  superior  in  the  mountain  region.  Even  those  from  the  Jefferson  and  Lancaster  highlands, 
and  from  many  similar  famous  points,  must  be  regarded  as  in  many  respects  far  inferior. 

The  general  outline  of  this  shore  is  not  very  ragged  or  broken  ; indeed,  it  is  almost  as  regular  and  symmetrical 
upon  close  view  as  it  appears  from  distant  standpoints.  It  presents  many  clear,  sandy  beaches,  glistening  white  and 
clear  in  the  sunshine  or  under  the  moon’s  rays  ; an  occasional  bold  bluff  in  miniature,  or  stretch  of  semi-cliffy 
formation  ; and  here  and  there  alternating  meadow  and  light  woodlands,  rolling  down  to  the  very  edge  of  the  water 
mark.  There  is  the  minimum  of  rock  and  ledge  outcropping  here  ; nor  are  there  boldly  jutting  points,  nor  long- 
drawn  tongues  or  spurs  of  shore  indenting  the  waters  in  any  part.  Within  a few  miles  of  the  western  terminus 
of  this  shore,  however,  within  the  territory  of  Guilford,  though  not  very  near  its  thickly  settled  portion,  is  a sort 
of  half-ambitious  promontory  that  makes  out  into  the  waters  of  the  lake  farther  than  any  other  of  its  kind  on  the 
whole  shore,  and  which  is  known  as  Carr’s  Point.  Upon  and  about  this  point  an  establishment  known  as  Lake 
Shore  Park  has  been  planted,  its  grounds  laid  out  systematically  into  building-lots,  pleasure  and  recreation  in- 
closures and  reservations,  hotel  sites  and  the  like,  and  every  advantage  taken  of  the  natural  situations  presented 
for  summer  homes  and  sojourning  for  large  numbers  of  people.  It  is  of  the  shore  lands  of  this  park  and  the 
outlines  of  its  distant  views  that  the  following  page  gives  a picture. 


THe  U1EI1RS  — Uill^NlPESfllJKHE. 


, ..  tVl.  pvtreme  west  shores  of  Lake  Winnipesaukee,  and  takes  its  name  from  the 

TXTHE  Weirs  is  a station  on  T„,;_  ^crhhorhood.  particularly  the  Winnipesaukee  and 


west  snuicb  ui  »»  . , A 

■ — . , . hv  the  Indians  of  the  neighborhood,  particularly  the  Winnipesaukee  and 

fact  that  m days  long  g ? fishing  season  and  filled  the  shallows  near  the  outlet  of  the 

Ossipee  tribes,  encamp  , . . ^ Here  the  Winnipesaukee  tribe  passed  weeks 

lake  with  fish-weirs,  in  which  they  too  s mac  m gr  y Indians  in  fishing  were  spread  along  rude 

structures  were  st.udiu,  W utter  ttre  p.uce 

spot , and  evert  at 

scope,  as  indicated  in  tne  cur  iacmg  _ . ....  tvucirles  the  great  army  of  summer 

societies  and  organizations  of  every  kind  religmus,  y delightsome  ’ Grand  out-door  meetings  and  con- 

visitors  that  throughout  the  season  fin  y P , , „roves  on  the  hillsides,  the  members  often 

ventions  of  the  organizations  above  referred  to  are  held  m l ^ “LelRnt  provision.  The 
camping  in  the  vicinity,  or  distributing  among  Qwn  liere=  the  west  side  of  the  Concord  & Montreal 

New  Hampshire  Veterans’  Association  has  a gr  v religious  meetings  are  held  is  between  the  track 

Railroad  track;  while  the  beautiful  grove  m which  most  of  the  reh, station,  on  lhe  shore  ap- 

tTe^ndico*  Rock,”  a big  bowlder 

steamer  “Lady  of  the  Lake”  makes  daily  trips  to 

Centre  Harbor,  Cong  Island  and  Wolfeboro. 


CBpTfm  fLRHIBOH. 


vN  the  northwestern  shores  of  hake  Winnipesaukee,  on  one  of  the  little  bays  that  make  into  the  land  m 
this  section  lies  Centre  Harbor,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  localities  of  the  lake  neighborhoods.  Centre 
Harbor  lies  distant  from  Weirs  about  ten  miles,  and  is  most  easily  reached  by  steamboat  from  that  place,  th 
route  lying  through  the  most  attractive  and  picturesque  portions  of  the  Winnipesaukee  scenery.  It  is  also  con- 
nected by  excellent  carriage  road  with  Meredith,  on  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  a few  miles 
north  from  Weirs  ; but  the  lake  route  is  usually  preferred  in  reaching  it,  and  m the  course  of  it  the  finest  possible 
nf  the  lake  are  obtained  and  also  many  charming  outlooks  upon  notable  mountain  scenes  comparatively 
t W Cento  Mor  takes  its  name  - although  it  does  not  follow  the  original  spelling-from  Colonel 
Senter  who  settled  here  in  1757.  Besides  the  advantages  of  lying  along  the  beautiful  shores  of  the  lake  this  place 
is  a centre  from  which  diverge  some  of  the  finest  drives  in  the  scenic  region  of  New  Hampshire.  Centre  Harbor 
Hill  Red  Hill  Shepherd  Hill,  the  beautiful  chain  of  Squam  hakes,  Ashland,  Plymouth,  and  the  mountains  of  e 
Sandwich  Range  -all  these  points  are  readily  reached  by  the  driveways  leading  outward  from  Centre  Harbor  an 
Sandwich  Ra  g directions  are  always  in  order  and  full  of  delights  for  the  summer  visitors  to  the  place, 

excursion  f Red  the  drive  is  four  miles.  Red  Hill  is  upwards  of  two  thousand  feet  m 

From  Centre  from  the  base  to  its  summit.  From  the  top  of  Red  Hill  views  of 

SaLTn  anYts  parts,  of  Mount  Belknap  and  the  southern  country,  and  of  lofty  mountains  almost  innumerable 
hand  are  obtained  and  richly  reward  all  adventurers  who  make  the  ascent.  Mount  Kearsarge,  thirty 

*<*„  summit;  and  t.dsu  the  ait  is  Ceases,  add  ihe  s»„  shmes 

Sente^House^overl^^^^^la^tng^pl^e^f^he^steamb^ats^t  Centre" Harbor,  is  one  of  the  great  hotels 
, • 1 _ _ fhfi  mnst  attractive  sites.  Its  predecessor  of  the  same  name  stood 

affet\^  fromThTshore  than  the  present  building,  but  was  destroyed  by  fire  a few  years  since.  For 

lake  and  mountain  scenery  combined,  Centre  Harbor  has  no  equal  m the  old  Granite  State. 


SQURJVI  $IVER  — flSHkflHD. 


, . ..  , - i;ne  0f  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  the  Meredith 

l'sSps^=5=SS= 

lively,  typical  New  England  community  ^ P ed  river  that,  enlarging  and  spreading  out  into  lake 

PemigewassetRrversumte;  j and  which  are  usually  known  as  the  Squam 
formations  that  succeed  f Ashland  much  of  its  singular  beauty  and  attractiveness. 

Lakes,  gives  to  the  section  east  and  southeast  ^esa^S ^ ^even  miles;  and  if  more  of  fascinating 

scenerj^^nade1  t^of^ountahm^lake^and  rive^waters,  and  intervales  of  the  loveliest  description,  can  he  found  any- 
t^Pl^notrth^^Th^  mahnTine>™f  ^the  T^lroad'  atove-named^the^^istonce  is  about  five  miles. 

F„rZe^,heL,n,,^ 

of  “ Me'asley  food,"  which  is  hardly  au^eafive  of  the  beautiful  sutroundinits 

,o  „o,c  h„„  trrs 

road  system  occupies  the  shores  o rl^s  ' f th  Winnipesaukee  River  are  reached  and  crossed, 

leaves  the  banks  of  the  Merrimack  At  Tilton  the ^waters  ot  the  ^ P is  skirted,  which,  with  its 

A.  Laconia,  hardly  core  than  a W Joscu  UJ  uke  Winnipcautce  is  reached. 

succeeding  water-sheets,  gives  a bay  s g within  biscuit-toss  of  it,  the  main  line  stretches  to 

Along  the  whole  west  shore  of  Winnipesaukee  and  always  wi  ^ YcfSeed  shortly  aboye  Plymoutll  the  Con_ 

Meredith;  and  from  Meredith  to  Ashlar.  i*th  Ythe  Ammonoosuc,  from  its  junction  with  the  Connecticut  to  the 
S?SSSn“  almost  exactly  followed.  Nor  must  the  Pemigewasset  and  other  river  valleys  be  for- 
gotten. Truly  this  is  a great  river  and  lake  route. 


SQUAGQ 


fHE  body,  or  bodies,  of  water  usually  known  as  Squaru  Lake  is  really  made  up  of  a succession  of  lakelets 
of  varying  size  and  outlines,  each  well-defined  and  complete  within  itself,  but  all  collectively  presenting 
the  features  of  a widely  extended  long-drawn  lake  formation.  These  lakelets  are  uniquely  distributed,  and 
their  assemblage  is  a natural  wonder  in  a section  where  singular  and  striking  natural  features  are  as  common  as 
woods-growth  upon  a mountain  side.  In  another  sketch  in  this  little  volume  reference  has  been  made  to  the  road- 
way leading  from  Ashland,  on  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  to  Centre  Harbor,  on  the  shore  of 
Lake  Winnipesaukee.  This  road  runs  directly  through  the  Squaru  Lake  sections  for  many  miles,  following  closely 
the  shores  of  the  lakelets,  and  occasionally  crossing  the  river  when  it  is  narrowed  down  to  the  ordinary  limits  of  a 
stream  connecting  the  broader  water-sheets. 

The  revelations  of  beauty  and  attractiveness  in  natural  scenery  incident  to  a drive  over  this  road  are  remarkable. 
The  valley  holding  the  Squam  waters  is  hemmed  in  on  every  side  by  lofty  hills,  that  occasionally  rise  to  the  dignity 
of  mountains  overlooking  the  scenes ; and  now  and  then,  as  the  road  itself  winds  over  some  border  hill,  great 
mountain  ranges  or  individual  peaks  near  to  or  remote  from  the  valley  come  into  view,  the  never  failing  objects  of 
delight  and  exciting  experiences  to  the  beholder.  The  contrast  in  the  landscapes  between  these  broad  water- 
surfaces  outspread  over  thousands  of  acres  of  valley  lands  and  the  variously  rising  mountain  heights  stretching  as 
far  away  as  the  eye  can  see  on  every  hand,  fairly  captivates  every  witness  of  their  effects,  and  fascinates  as  superb 
pictures  of  rarest  merit  never  can.  On  every  side  the  scenes  are  wildly  beautiful. 

The  waters  of  Squam  Lake  are  of  the  rarest  purity,  and  they  are  dotted  in  every  part  with  islands,  the  colors  of 
whose  verdure  and  foliage  in  summer  time  enhance  the  attractions  of  their  white,  sandy  shores  and  those  of  the 
main  land  bordering  upon  the  lake.  About  half  way  between  Ashland  and  Centre  Harbor  the  road  passes  over 
Shepard  Hill,  a boldly  rising  elevation  of  goodly  height  in  the  very  heart  of  the  lake  section.  Upon  the  summit  of 
this  hill  stands  the  Asquam  House,  a mountain  hotel  of  the  first  quality.  Riding  forward  from  Shepard  Hill  to 
Centre  Harbor  the  road  runs  very  near  the  base  of  Red  Hill,  concerning  which  a noted  mountain  writer  has  said, 
11  Whoever  misses  the  view  from  Red  Hill  loses  the  most  fascinating  and  thoroughly  enjoyable  view,  from  a 
moderate  mountain  height,  that  can  be  gained  from  any  eminence  that  lies  near  the  tourists’  path.” 


jviehhdith,  H-K- 


1V-TEXT  north  of  Weirs,  on  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  lies  Meredith,  one  of  the  most 
psj  picturesque  of  all  the  lake  towns,  and  possessed  of  peculiar  attractions  and  advantages  for  summer  visitors 
J to  New  Hampshire.  Meredith  Village  is  about  thirty-seven  miles  from  Concord  and  one  hundred  and  twelve 
miles  from  Boston.  This  village  is  beautifully  situated  upon  an  ample  bay  that  makes  inland  from  Lake  Winnipe- 
saukee,  and  forms  its  extreme  northwest  section.  Into  this  bay  the  small  steamers  that  traverse  the  great  lake 
enter  in  summer  time  affording  for  Meredith  a water  route  connection  with  Centre  Harbor,  Weirs,  Lakeport  and  the 
havens  and  harbors  at  the  east  end  of  the  lake.  Ashland  is  the  next  town  northward  on  the  line  of  the  railroad,  and 
between  Meredith  and  Ashland  there  is  another  charming  water-sheet  — Lake  Waukawan.  Also  within  the  terri- 
tory of  this  town  are  numerous  lesser  lakes  and  large  ponds,  with  several  streams  which  have  been  utilized  for 
manufacturing  purposes.  As  will  be  seen  the  water  features  of  this  place  are  in  great  number  and  most  superior 
character ; and  therein  lies  a peculiar  merit  of  the  town  as  a summer  resort.  Centre  Harbor  is  distant  from  Mere- 
dith about  five  miles,  and  the  two  places  are  connected  by  an  excellent  road,  running  through  fine  scenic  sections, 
and  forming  one  of  the  best  driveways  in  the  State.  On  the  north,  in  the  neighborhoods  of  Lake  Waukawan,  the 
outlooks  include  some  fine  mountain  scenery,  Moosilauke,  Mount  Prospect,  Sandwich  Dome,  Tripyramid,  White 
Face,  Passaconaway,  and  other  peaks  rising  in  the  immediate  foreground. 

Meredith  has  already  become  a summer  resort  of  no  mean  pretensions,  and  its  importance  in  this  regard  is 
increasing  with  every  season  that  passes.  The  shores  and  islands  of  its  manifold  lakes  are  admirably  adapted  for 
sojourning  and  camping  purposes,  and  the  facilities  it  affords  for  boating,  fishing  and  water  sports  and  pastimes 
generally,  are  not  surpassed  in  any  other  locality  in  the  region.  The  town  has  a population  of  about  two  thousand 
— wide-a4ake,  progressive  and  typical  New  England  people,  who  are  intensely  interested  in  developing  the  natural 
resources  and  capabilities  of  the  place,  and  consequently  do  all  in  their  power  to  enhance  the  pleasures  of  summer 
visitors  to  their  sections,  and  render  their  sojourn  agreeable.  Indeed,  Meredith  has  many  claims  upon  the  public 
seeking  pleasure  and  recreation  in  summer  time  that  are  not  presented  in  the  foregoing  of  this  sketch,  but  are 
directly  in  line  with  the  situations  as  already  presented. 


piiYmoUTH. 


»LYMOUTH,  the  shire  town  of  Grafton  County,  may  be  said  to  lay  fairly  within  the  gateway  of  the  White 
Mountains  region  on  the  west.  Situated  near  the  junction  of  the  Pemigewasset  and  Baker’s  rivers,  it  is 
indeed  a beautiful  New  England  village,  in  the  midst  of  most  attractive  scenery  ; nor  is  it  without  an 
interesting  history  of  its  own.  In  one  of  its  ancient  buildings  the  voice  of  the  young  lawyer,  Daniel  Webster, 
was  heard  making  his  first  plea  before  a jury.  Its  territory  has  witnessed  many  fierce  conflicts  between  its  white 
settlers  and  the  native  Indians,  for  Indian  villages  were  once  more  numerous  about  here  than  are  white  residents  at 
the  present  day.  In  the  great  hotel  here,  Nathaniel  Hawthorne  met  his  death  in  1864.  Though  not  large  in  popula- 
tion the  place  is  a considerable  trade  centre,  and  has  some  manufacturers  that  have  become  celebrated  in  every  mart 
in  the  Northern  United  States. 

The  mountain  scenery  about  Plymouth  is  notably  attractive.  In  the  near  neighborhood  is  Mount  Monadnock, 
and  lofty  peaks  loom  skyward  all  the  way  round  from  this  elevation  to  Mount  Moosilauke.  The  opening  into  the 
Pemigewasset  Valley  is  a doorway  of  the  town,  so  to  speak  ; while  beyond  is  Mount  Prospect,  from  which  the 
Franconia  and  White  Mountains,  Osceola  and  White  Face,  the  Squam  Range,  some  Sandwich  peaks,  with  the 
waters  of  Squam  Lake  and  Winnipesaukee  outspread  in  the  intervals,  form  a succession  of  grandest  features  in 
the  landscapes.  In  the  village  itself  numerous  sightly  hills  are  to  be  found  overlooking  great  sections  of  the  wild 
country  of  the  region,  and  no  point  in  the  White  Mountains  territory  affords  a finer  centre  from  which  to  make 
delightful  excursions,  pedestrian  or  driving,  than  does  this  ancient  county  seat.  The  railroad  here  follows  closely 
the  river  bank,  and  the  river  forms  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  town,  while  on  the  far  side  of  its  narrow  waters  the 
charming  intervales  and  rolling  uplands  of  the  town  of  Holderness  are  outspread.  Just  within  the  Pemigewasset 
Valley  are  the  picturesque  Livermore  Falls,  in  the  neighborhood  of  which  is  to  be  found  one  of  the  famous  fish- 
hatching establishments  of  the  country. 

One  of  the  finest  modern  possessions  of  the  town  is  its  great  hotel,  the  Pemigewasset  House,  a fair  specimen 
of  the  caravansaries  that  have  of  late  years  been  established  at  the  most  important  central  points  within  the  White 
Mountains  territory.  This  hotel  is  owned  and  its  operations  are  directed  by  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad, 
the  express  trains  of  the  latter  rolling  literally  to  the  very  doorways  of  its  basement,  and  making  seasonable  stop 
here  always  for  the  refreshment  of  their  passengers.  The  Pemigewasset  House  is  of  itself  a noted  institution  of 
Plymouth. 


F^^ricoriifl  fotch. 


fERHAPS  no  scenery  of  the  Franconia  Notch  is  more  interesting  than  that  which  lies  about  its  northern 
opening,  — its  gateway  as  it  were,— where  so  many  wonderful  natural  phenomena  and  manifestations  are 
grouped.  Here  are  mountains  on  every  hand,  exhibiting  all  the  features  and  peculiarities  that  render  the 
White  Mountains  region  irresistibly  attractive  to  every  mortal  coming  within  their  influence,  and  possessing 
some  characteristics  of  their  own  that  fascinate  all  beholders.  Here  is  the  “Old  Man  of  the  Mountain,”  his 
stony  face  set  inflexibly  in  the  mountain-top,  as  with  far-off  gaze  he  looks  out  over  the  world,  as  it  were, 
noting  only  the  flight  of  time  and  the  vicissitudes  of  centuries.  Here,  at  the  base  of  the  upheaval  from  which 
he  has  looked  forth  for  ages,  is  Profile  Fake  ; and  across  the  plateau  on  the  north  its  twin  creation,  Echo  Fake, 
of  which  one  has  said:  “Franconia  is  more  fortunate  in  its  little  tarn,  that  is  rimmed  by  the  undisturbed 
wilderness  and  watched  by  the  grizzled  peak  of  Fafayette,  than  in  the  Old  Stone  Face  from  which  it  has  gained 
so  much  celebrity.”  Between  the  two  lakes,  and  occupying  the  diminutive  plateau  aforesaid,  is  the  hotel 
establishment  known  as  the  Profile  House,  as  notable  in  the  artificial  as  are  its  surroundings  in  the  natural 
world  Here  Fafayette  and  Cannon,  and  Eagle  and  Bald  Mountains,  and  heights  that  are  little  else  than  per- 
pendicular rock-masses,  lofty  and  serrated,  look  down  majestically  upon  every  situation  they  enclose,  and  upon 
every  living,  moving  thing  that  passes  before  their  portals,  or  ventures  into  the  ravine  they  guard  perpetually. 
Hereabouts  cascades  fall,  and  silvery  streams,  taking  their  rise  upon  the  mountain-sides,  begin  courses  that  are 
continued  among  scenes  even  more  picturesque  and  grandly  beautiful  than  can  be  found  at  this  marvellous 

gateway.  . 

And  the  situation  thus  magnificently  opened  becomes  more  and  more  attractive  and  wonderful  as  one 
advances  upon  it.  The  delights  and  revelations  and  superb  natural  presentations  of  the  Franconia  Notch  no 
word-painting  nor  descriptive  effort  can  adequately  set  forth.  These  must  be  seen,  and  seen  many  times  and 
under  varying  circumstances,  to  be  entirely  appreciated. 

The  Notch  is  about  seven  miles  long  from  end  to  end,  and  opens  on  the  south  directly  into  the  Pemigewasset 
Valley  with  ancient  Pemigewasset  Mountain  standing  like  a sentinel  to  guard  the  approaches  to  the  latter,  The 
wild  scenery  of  the  Notch  is  fitly  continued  in  the  Valley,  in  different  forms  and  more  roomy  situations,  however. 


PEJVUGELUASSET  — TJlE  VALtEEY  Af4D  TJ4H  mOU^TAI^l. 


fROM  Plymouth,  on  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  above  Lake  Winnipesaukee,  to  the 
Profile  House  at  the  head  of  Franconia  Notch,  is  a distance  of  about  thirty-one  miles,  at  least  three-quarters 
of  which  is  within  the  picturesque  Pemigewasset  Valley.  Formerly  the  trip  between  these  two  points  was 
made  entirely  by  stage-coach  or  private  conveyance  ; but  within  recent  years  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  has 
sent  out  a spur  extending  throughout  the  greater  part  of  the  valley,  or  from  Plymouth  to  North  Woodstock,  which 
is  known  as  the  Pemigewasset  Branch.  The  added  facilities  have  greatly  stimulated  summer  travel  in  this  most 
wildly  beautiful  of  all  the  White  Mountain  sections  ; and  neighborhoods  that  were  once  intimately  known  only  to 
artists  and  enthusiastic  lovers  of  nature,  have  been  revealed  to  thousands  upon  thousands  of  delighted  visitors,  who 
never  tire  of  recounting  their  experiences  while  in  this  valley,  or  anticipating  the  time  when  they  may  return  there. 

The  Pemigewasset  Valley  has  presented  superior  attractions  to  the  artist  and  the  poet  ever  since  the  natural 
scenery  of  the  Old  Granite  State  began  to  be  known  outside  its  limits.  Longfellow  and  Whittier  never  failed  to 
find  inspiration  among  its  features,  and  artists  without  number  have  admired  and  studied  and  pictured  its  scenes 
until  the  stay-at-homes  in  every  part  of  the  country  are  almost  as  familiar  with  its  situations  as  are  those  who  have 
personally  explored  its  wonders.  Mad  River;  the  hills  and  woods,  grottos  and  caves,  about  Campton  ; the  cliffs 
and  ravines  and  primitive  natural  scenery  in  the  Thornton  neighborhoods;  the  glorious  revelation  of  mighty 
mountains  more  or  less  remote,  isolated  or  in  groups  or  chains,  incident  to  every  part  of  the  valley,  but  crowding 
more  and  more  thickly  as  the  way  is  pursued  northward,  — these  characteristics  are  full  of  exciting  and  delightsome 
experiences  for  the  traveller  or  sojourner,  and  richly  reward  all  efforts  made  in  their  seeking. 

The  Pemigewasset  River,  outflowing  from  Profile  Rake  at  the  far  end  of  Franconia  Notch,  falls  upwards  of 
fifteen  hundred  feet  in  its  course  before  arriving  at  Plymouth.  The  railroad,  so  far  as  it  goes,  and  the  stage  road 
follow  closely  the  pathway  of  this  river  for  its  entire  length.  The  valley  is  hardly  entered  from  Plymouth  before 
its  wonders  begin  to  become  apparent.  The  river  winds  sometimes  among  luxuriant  meadow-lands,  broad  and  open, 
with  dark  hill  borders  crowned  with  the  richest  forest  growths  on  either  hand  ; or  it  dashes  through  narrow  gorges, 
or  wildernesses  contracted  among  cliffs  and  crags.  At  various  points  great  mountains  come  into  view—  Lafayette, 
Tincoln,  Liberty,  Flume,  Pemigewasset,  Cannon,  Kinsman,  Little  Coolidge,  Big  Coolidge,  the  Potash  Mountains. 
Mount  Pemigewasset  marks  the  junction  of  the  Pemigewasset  Valley  and  Franconia  Notch. 


THE  FEUf/IE. 


OT  far  from  the  lower,  or  southernmost,  end  of  Franconia  Notch,  and  about  six  miles  below  the  Profile 
House  is  “The  Flume,”  a wonderful  natural  fissure  in  the  side  of  Flume  Mountain,  upwards  of  seven 
hundred  feet  in  length,  and  walled  by  precipitous  crags  and  rock  masses  from  twenty  to  seventy  or  even 
more  feet  in  height.  Through  this  gorge  a swift-running  brook  descends,  its  waters  torn  to  shreds  for  the  whole 
distance  The  Flume  has  been  regarded  from  the  earliest  days  as  one  of  the  most  remarka  e o e na  ura 
features  incident  to  White  Mountains  scenery  ; but  it  is  not  now  what  it  once  was.  Formerly  its  walls  were  con- 
tracted more  and  more  as  the  beginning  of  the  gorge  was  neared  at  its  upper  end,  until  the  craggy  masses  rose 
almost  perpendicularly,  or  slightly  overhanging,  to  their  greatest  height,  and  the  opening  was  only  a few  feet  in 
width  between  them.  At  the  very  top  of  this  opening  a huge  bowlder,  tons  m weight,  and  of  colossal  dimension  , 
was  held  in  place  by  the  firm  pressure  of  the  crags  upon  it,  suspended  in  such  manner  that  it  seemed  as  if  the 
slightest  relaxation  of  the  hold  upon  it -a  jar  of  the  mountain  following  a thunder-burst,  or  the  crumbling  o i s 
faces  through  its  own  weight-would  precipitate  the  mass  upon  the  bed  of  the  brook  below.  The  s“°"^aS 
of  rare  beauty  and  interest,  even  in  a region  where  grand  and  impressive  natural  scenes  are  scattered  about  like 
ships  upon  the  ocean.  The  views  from  the  Flume  House,  on  the  side-hills  opposite  the  bed  of  the  canon  into 
which  the  Flume  opened  at  its  lower  end,  were,  and  still  remain,  of  the  very  finest  m the  mountains. 

But  in  the  early  part  of  the  last  decade,  this  feature  of  mountain  scenery  was  changed  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye  ” so  to  speak.  On  the  19th  of  June,  1883,  at  about  eleven  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  a terrible  rumbling  an 
roaring  and  thundering  was  heard  at  the  Flume  House.  For  forty  minutes  immediately  preceding  the  time  above 
mentioned  the  terrible  natural  concert  continued,  its  awful  music  being  distinctly  heard  at  Bethlehem,  seventeen 
miles  away ; and  all  the  while  torrents  of  rain  poured  down  the  mountain  sides.  , , ., 

At  its  conclusion  great  rents  were  seen  upon  the  sides  of  Flume  and  Liberty  Mountains  the  largest  upon  the 
first  named.  A landslide  of  tremendous  proportions  had  taken  place,  with  effects  impossible  to  be  adequately 
described  The  suspended  bowlder  was  gone  ; nor  has  its  whereabouts  ever  yet  been  discovered  with  certainty. 
It  was  one  of  the  lesser  slides  from  the  face  of  Mount  Liberty  which  passed  through  the  Flume,  and  dividing  into 
three  parts  as  it  neared  the  river  upon  which  the  Flume  opens,  widened  and  deepened  the  gorge  of  the  Flume  to 
much  more  than  double  its  former  proportions,  and  deposited  a debris  of  rocks  and  tree-trunks  and  mountain 
masses  in  its  course  that  marvellously  illustrate  the  natural  forces  that  must  have  been  exerted 

But  still  the  Flume  and  its  surroundings  constitute  one  of  the  most  attractive  spots  m the  White  Mountains. 


F^flricorlm  riOTCH- 


fRANCONIA  NOTCH  is  the  name  given  to  one  of  those  narrow,  deep-set  gorges  found  here  and  there  in  the 
White  Mountains  region  ; and,  wherever  found,  always  picturesque,  attractive,  and  presenting  the  grandest 
scenic  qualities.  The  general  direction  of  this  Notch  is  north  and  south  ; its  length,  about  six  miles.-  At  its 
northern  opening  stands  the  stately  and  picturesque  Mount  Lafayette  on  the  east,  with  its  spur,  Eagle  Cliff,  appar- 
ently directly  across  the  head  of  the  way  ; and  Mount  Cannon  on  the  western  side,  with  its  marvellous  stone  face 
looking  into  the  far  distance,  as  though  its  gaze  was  fixed  upon  some  object  outside  the  limits  of  the  world.  Here 
are  Echo  Lake  and  Profile  Lake,  with  the  Profile  House  establishment  occupying  the  diminutive  plateau  between 
them,  while  Lafayette  and  Cannon  rear  their  huge  forms  from  almost  within  the  very  shadow  of  this  caravansary. 
Lafayette  is  monarch  of  the  Franconia  section,  being  5,200  feet  in  height  — the  highest  elevation,  in  fact,  of  the 
White  Mountains  outside  the  Presidential  Range. 

Echo  Lake  empties  its  waters  into  the  Ammonoosuc  River  on  the  north.  The  overflow  of  Profile  Lake  flows 
directly  southward  through  the  Franconia  Notch  and  the  Pemigewasset  Valley,  to  mingle  at  last  with  the  waters  of 
the  Merrimac.  Its  descent  from  the  northern  to  the  southern  openings  of  the  Notch  is  upwards  of  five  hundred 
feet,  or  about  one  hundred  feet  to  the  mile  ; and,  consequently,  it  is  throughout  a brawling,  noisy,  aggressive 
torrent  in  miniature,  eating  into  the  ledges  and  rock-masses  at  myriad  points  along  its  course,  and  scooping  out 
for  itself  numberless  pools  and  basins  and  deep-sunken  channels  as  it  flows.  It  is  one  of  the  most  picturesque 
streams  in  the  region,  and  exceedingly  attractive  to  study. 

One  of  the  finest  of  mountain  roads  follows  the  course  of  the  brook  throughout  the  entire  length  of  the  Notch, 
never  more  than  a few  feet  away  from  its  channel,  and  usually  threading  close  upon  its  edge.  After  leaving  the 
Profile  House  this  road  very  nearly  skirts  the  shore  of  Profile  Lake  ; and,  from  the  wooded  knolls  between  it  and 
the  head  of  the  lake,  the  best  possible  view  of  the  Old  Man  of  the  Mountain  is  to  be  had.  The  brook  and  the  road 
together  occupy  about  the  whole  width  of  the  base  of*  the  Notch,  the  Franconia  Mountain  rising  abruptly  like  a 
barrier  wall  on  the  east  all  the  way  ; while  a group  of  detached  elevations,  of  which  Mount  Kinsman  and  Cannon, 
or  Profile  Mountain,  are  on  the  west.  The  scenery  is  wildly  grand  for  the  entire  distance,  and  the  drive  one  of  the 
finest  in  the  White  Mountains.  The  Notch,  too,  affords  a fine  route  for  a pedestrian  excursion,  and  robust  walkers 
of  either  sex  can  easily  pass  from  end  to  end  of  its  gorge  on  foot,  while  its  myriad  and  ever  varying  attractions 
make  one  unmindful  of  all  the  fatigues  of  the  exercise,  and  thoroughly  compensate  for  all  the  time  and  effort  spent 
in  the  passage. 


BAKER’S  VflMiEV. 


tFTER  leaving  Plymouth  and  the  entrance  to  the  Pemigewasset  Valley,  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & 
Montreal  Railroad  runs  for  twenty  miles  through  the  valley  of  Baker’s  River.  In  this  valley  the  railway 
has  stations  at  Rumney,  West  Rumney,  Wentworth  and  Warren,  four  villages  whose  picturesque  and  rural 
situations  are  not  surpassed  by  any  of  their  kind  in  New  England.  The  intervales  are  bordered  by  ranges  of  high 
hills,  and  these  arise  occasionally  into  mountain  elevations  fair  to  gaze  upon,  and  looking  out  only  over  the  fairest 
scenery.  In  Rumney  is  Stinson’s  Mount;  at  Wentworth,  Carr’s  Mountain  on  the  east  and  Cuba  Mountain  on  the 
west;  and  venerable  Mt.  Moosilauke  lies  only  a short  five  miles  from  the  village  of  Warren.  Within  this  valley 
thus  embowered  in  hills  the  Indians  once  roved  and  exercised  their  free  will ; and,  in  later  times,  after  the  whites 
had  begun  their  settlements,  committed  some  atrocities  too,  as  Stinson’s  Mount  and  Lake  can  testify.  But  the 
scenes  are  peaceful  enough  nowadays,  and  wonderfully  attractive  with  the  quiet  beauty  that  characterizes  the  river 
lands  of  the  old  Granite  State  in  every  part. 

Rumney  is  about  sixty  miles  from  Concord,  and  has  a population  of  a little  more  than  one  thousand  souls. 
Looking  northward  the  extreme  of  the  Mount  Carr  range  is  upon  the  left,  and  beyond  the  lofty  elevations  in 
the  town  of  Ellsworth  tower.  On  the  right  is  old  Stinson,  and  in  the  distance  Rattlesnake  Mountain— appropriately 
named  when  its  title  was  bestowed.  The  elevations  about  West  Rumney  are  known  as  the  Groton  Hills.  Went- 
worth was  so  named  in  honor  of  Gov.  Benning  Wentworth,  and  is  a thriving,  typical  New  Hampshire  town.  Warren 
is  perhaps  the  most  picturesque  of  all  the  towns  in  this  neighborhood,  being  mountainous  on  every  side,  and 
greatly  diversified  and  varied  in  its  scenery.  A peculiarity  of  its  territory  is  the  great  number  of  clear  running 
brooks  found  within  its  limits,  all  of  them  attractive,  and  many  of  them  broken  in  cascades.  Perhaps  the  finest  of 
these  is  Hurricane  Brook,  which  descends  from  Mount  Carr,  a tumbling,  hurrying,  scurrying,  miniature  torrent, 
whose  impetuosity  has  gained  for  it  its  suggestive  name.  Mount  Moosilauke  and  Mounts  Carr,  Waternomee, 
Kineo,  Mist,  and  Webster’s  Slide  are  all  in  full  view  from  Warren  standpoints,  and  the  objects  of  excursions  of  the 
summer  visitors  to  this  place.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  territory  of  this  town  is  the  ridge  which  forms  the 
highest  point  crossed  by  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  and  which  divides  the  waters  of  the 
Merrimack  and  its  contributors  from  those  of  the  Connecticut  on  the  immediate  west.  The  summit  of  this  ridge  is 
1063  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  summit  passed,  the  descent  towards  the  Connecticut  River  is  at  once 
begun,  and  the  scenery  becomes  somewhat  changed  in  character. 


JVTOOSmHUKE. 


OUNT  MOOSILAUKE,  tlie  distinguished  peak  of  the  western  White  Mountains  region,  is  situated  upon  the 
>/&i-  line  between  the  towns  of  Benton  and  Warren,  the  greater  portion  of  it  being  in  the  town  first  named; 

but  it  is  reached  from  the  Warren  station  of  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  by  a carriage 
drive  of  about  five  miles.  Moosilauke  is  entirely  isolated  from  other  mountains,  is  4,811  feet  in  height, — the  highest 
peak  west  of  Mount  Lafayette, — and  commands  views  from  its  summit  as  extensive  and  varied  as  those  from  Mount 
Washington,  and  by  many  persons  declared  to  be  even  superior  to  those  of  that  king  of  the  mountains. 

Considerable  controversy  has  taken  place  over  the  name  of  this  mountain,  and  those  interested  are  not  yet 
united  in  conclusions  regarding  the  same.  Many  people  believe  it  to  have  been  originally  “Moose  Hillock,”  and 
the  people  living  in  its  neighborhoods  very  generally  give  it  that  title.  Others  regard  it  of  Indian  origin,  and 
derived  from  the  words  “ moosi  ” and  “ auke,”  signifying  a bald  place.  The  poet  Whittier  evidently  inclines  to 
the  first-mentioned  derivation  ; and,  in  “ The  Bridal  of  Pennacook,”  he  refers  to 

“ Moosehillock’s  mountain  range,” 

as  though  he  had  thoroughly  settled  upon  the  proper  spelling  of  the  word  as  a descriptive  term. 

Concerning  the  scenery  included  in  the  outlooks  from  this  mountain,  a distinguished  writer  has  declared  : “The 
panorama  which  is  spread  before  you  at  the  summit  of  Moosilauke  is  the  most  extensive  I have  found  in  New 
England,  not  excepting  that  from  Mounts  Washington  and  Lafayette,  over  which  it  possesses  many  advantages.” 
Its  summit  broadens  out  into  a plateau  of  considerable  area,  and  the  sunset  and  sunrise  views  from  this  are  wonder- 
fully fine.  The  town  of  Warren  is  peculiarly  rich  in  scenic  points,  Carr’s  Mount,  Webster’s  Slide,  Owl’s  Head  and 
Peaked  Hill  lying  all  within  its  limits,  from  the  last-named  of  which  a fine  view  of  Moosilauke  is  obtained.  Within 
the  Warren  territory  is  also  the  famous  Hurricane  Brook,  presenting  a series  of  most  picturesque  cascades,  — Fairy, 
Rocky,  Oak,  Wolf’s  Head,  Waternomee  Cascades,  and  Hurricane  Falls,  with  a beautiful  basin  half  hidden  in  the 
wilds  in  contrast,  known  as  Diana’s  Washbowl.  The  outlooks  from  Moosilauke  include  the  Green  Mountains  of 
Vermont,  a few  Canadian  peaks  and  some  portions  of  the  State  of  Maine  for  remote  views,  with  the  White  and 
Franconia  Ranges,  Winnipesaukee,  the  Connecticut  Valley,  etc.,  in  the  foregrounds. 


msBOtf 


JJ«;=  ISBON  is  one  of  the  river  towns  lying  west  of  the  principal  mountain  section  of  New  Hampshire,  and  is, 
in  situation,  exceedingly  picturesque  and  attractive.  The  Connecticut  River  and  its  beautiful  valley  is 
reached  by  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  at  Haverhill,  a point  eighty-five  miles  north 
from  Concord,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  from  Boston.  Passing  still  northward  from  this  point  a distance  of 
eight  miles,  the  village  of  Woodsville  is  reached,  and  within  this  territory  the  Ammonoosuc  River,  which  takes  its 
rise  in  Mount  Washington,  makes  junction  with  the  Connecticut  River.  Leaving  now  the  Connecticut  and  follow- 
ing the  course  of  the  Ammonoosuc,  the  main  line  above  referred  to  passes  first  through  Bath  and  then  Lisbon,  the 
Ammonoosuc  being  crossed  twice  after  leaving  the  Connecticut  Valley  before  the  Lisbon  station  is  reached. 

Lisbon  is  in  the  midst  of  a mineral  region,  and  within  its  territory  are  several  gold  mines.  It  is  a place  of  large 
summer  resort  also,  and  possesses  several  well-known  hotels  and  boarding-houses.  The  drives  thither  from  Little- 
ton, ten  miles  away,  from  Bethlehem  through  Franconia,  and  from  other  centres,  are  reckoned  among  the  finest 
in  the  mountains.  Sugar  Hill  is  in  Lisbon ; and  many  other  charming  localities  within  its  territorial  limits  have 
become  popularly  known  as  excursion  points  or  summering  places. 

These  upper  river  towns  of  New  Hampshire  have  many  peculiarities  of  situation  and  natural  resources  that 
render  them  especially  desirable  for  summer  visitation  and  sojourning.  Particularly  is  this  the  case  with  the  towns 
and  villages  in  the  Connecticut  Valley,  and  with  the  settlements  along  the  Ammonoosuc,  which  indeed  are  not 
very  plentiful,  except  for  the  last  few  miles  of  its  course,  and  east  of  Littleton  scarcely  exist  at  all.  Indeed,  among 
the  White  and  Franconia  Mountains,  villages,  and  even  hamlets,  are  few  and  very  far  between  ; and  such  thriving, 
wide-awake  and  busy  centres  as  Lisbon  are  entirely  unknown  outside  the  sections  above  referred  to.  To  make 
excursions  for  shopping  or  banking,  or  even  to  consult  a physician,  requires  therefore  a drive  of  several  miles  from 
the  great  hotels,  a condition  which  does  not  in  the  least  mar  the  situations  in  the  estimation  of  the  summer 
populations,  and  which,  it  must  be  confessed,  forms  one  of  the  leading  commendations  of  this  region  for  pleasure- 
seekers.  Among  the  community  centres  thus  situated  Lisbon  is  one  of  the  most  prominent ; and  its  thrifty,  well- 
ordered  establishment  makes  favorable  impression  upon  all  comers. 


SUGAH  HIM*- 


JN  the  adjacent  territory  lying  west  and  northwest  of  the  White  Mountains,  and  especially  in  the  sections 
between  the  Franconia  Mountains  and  the  Ammonoosuc  and  Connecticut  rivers,  there  are  many  charming 
bits  of  scenery,  made  up  of  intervale  and  side-hill  with  hamlets  and  villages  interspersed  here  and  there, 
superlatively  attractive,  peaceful  and  delightsome.  The  Bethlehem  villages  are  the  largest  of  these  community 
assemblages  on  the  Ammonoosuc  side,  while  Franconia  and  the  clustering  buildings  of  hotel  establishments 
scattered  about  from  Littleton  on  the  north  to  Haverhill  on  the  southwest,  represent  every  grade  and  condition  of 
these  centres  for  summer  population. 

To  all  these  centres  and  sections  interest  especially  attaches  in  summer  time  ; for  at  this  season  each,  with  an 
attractiveness  peculiarly  its  own,  draws  to  itself  a constituency  that  has  somehow  discovered  its  claims  and  merits, 
and  become  enamored  of  its  advantages.  Through  the  representations  and  testimony  of  those  who  best  know  the 
localities  these  constituencies  increase  in  volume  year  by  year ; for  it  is  by  no  means  the  case  that  the  great  cara- 
vansaries of  the  mountain  region  of  New  Hampshire  shelter  the  larger  part  of  the  yearly  visitors  to  that  portion  of 
the  State.  The  villages  and  hamlets,  the  boarding-houses  and  farmhouses  of  just  such  spots  as  are  here  describing, 
win  after  all  by  far  the  greatest  number  of  patrons  while  the  warm  months  are  on,  and  the  great  tide  of  summer 
visitation  leaves  its  elements  here  and  there  in  all  parts  of  the  territory  it  floods  instead  of  depositing  its  volume 
in  one  vast  billow  upon  any  particular  shore.  The  great  hotels  are  centres  of  society  and  “ stylish  ” circles  ; but  the 
quiet,  popular  every-day  life  of  the  people  finds  its  manifestations  in  such  localities  as  are  above  referred  to. 

Passing  from  Bethlehem  village  to  the  Profile  House  at  the  head  of  Franconia  Notch,  the  way  lies  directly 
through  the  little  hamlet  of  Franconia.  The  distance  from  Bethlehem  to  the  Notch  is  about  nine  miles ; Franconia 
lies  about  half-way  between  the  two  places.  This  drive  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  the  whole  mountain  region, 
being  through  gently  sloping  side-hill  or  “shelf  ” country  for  nearly  the  whole  distance,  with  the  picturesque 
sections  that  characterize  Gale  River  giving  variety  to  the  scenes.  From  the  Franconi’a  neighborhood  the  outline 
of  Sugar  Hill  appears  a few  miles  distant  as  a horizon,  studded  and  crowned  with  hotels  and  summer  establish- 
ments, and  presenting  natural  and  artificial  features  of  attractiveness  in  every  part  that  cannot  be  ignored  or  passed 
unnoticed  by  any  summer  traveller.  Reversing  the  situations,  the  outlooks  from  Sugar  Hill  are  of  superb  quality, 
and  the  merits  of  the  place  for  sojourn  or  summer  residence  are  of  the  highest  order. 


MTTLiETOfl. 


■pjf  ITTLETON  is  a representative  New  England  town,  the  largest  and  most  complete  in  its  establishment  to 
[fif  be  found  in  the  New  Hampshire  sections  on  the  north  of  the  White  Mountains.  Its  original  name  was 
Chiswick,  and  it  has  still  many  reminders  of  that  designation  among  its  institutions.  It  is  most  beautifully 
situated  upon  the  Ammonoosuc  and  Connecticut  Rivers,  having  fifteen  miles  of  territory  lying  along  the  last-named 
stream.  Its  main  village,  however,  is  found  at  the  extreme  easterly  end  of  the  township  on  the  Ammonoosuc,  and 
it  is  essentially  an  Ammonoosuc  Valley  settlement.  This  river,  as  it  passes  through  the  town  site,  flows  over 
masses  of  rock-bed  and  projecting  ledges,  that  frequently  rise  into  miniature  crags  on  either  bank,  upon  the 
levels  of  which,  or  along  their  terraced  edges,  the  buildings  of  the  village  stand.  The  river  hereabouts  is  finely 
picturesque,  and  characterizes  scenery  rarely  to  be  met  with  outside  this  section  of  New  England.  On  the  north 
bank  of  the  river  the  main  street  of  the  village,  with  its  row  of  buildings  on  either  side,  seems  to  occupy  a sort  of 
natural  shelf,  that  has  been  broadened  and  levelled  to  fit  it  for  community  uses,  and  which  looks  down  upon  the 
stream  it  overhangs  as  Alpine  villages  are  frequently  found  occupying  in  European  countries.  From  this  main 
street  steep  elevations,  that  would  be  called  mountains  anywhere  else,  rise  to  fairly  magnificent  heights,  their 
sides  dotted  with  hamlets  and  individual  estates,  and  summer  hostelries  of  greater  or  less  pretensions,  among 
which  the  village  roads  and  driveways  course  most  attractively,  inviting  the  sojourner  to  cloud-seeking  visits  and 
excursions,  and  promising  most  abundant  rewards  for  all  efforts  made  in  climbing  them. 

From  myriad  points  upon  these  hillsides,  and  along  their  lofty  summits,  the  views  obtained  are  grand  indeed. 
The  nearest  of  the  Franconia  Mountains  are  about  ten  miles  away,  and  from  these  all  along  the  line  of  the  Fran- 
conia and  White  Mountains  ranges,  and  away  around  to  the  individual  noted  peaks  in  the  northeast,  the  heights 
that  have  made  this  region  famous  are  visible  in  their  most  representative  members  — an  unbroken  line  of  peaks, 
any  one  of  which  might  form  a study  for  a world.  Between  these  mountains  and  the  Littleton  points  of  observa- 
tion lies  an  enclosed  section  of  miles  in  extent  in  any  direction,  over  which  the  vision  ranges  with  peculiar 
satisfaction  and  delight.  The  valley  of  the  Ammonoosuc  is  revealed  from  end  to  end.  Sections  of  meadow, 
pasture,  intervale,  and  rolling  uplands  lie  outspread,  with  groves  and  miniature  forests  at  intervals,  and  foot  hills 
climbing  ambitiously  almost  within  the  shadows  of  the  mountain  sides.  On  every  hand  the  scenes  are  grandly 
beautiful. 


UUHITEFIHLaD. 


fo  those  interested  in  the  business  or  economic  pursuits  of'  New  Hampshire  the  town  of  Whitefield  stands 
as  a grand  centre  of  the  lumbering  interests  of  this  State.  But  for  thousands  of  persons  who  have  discovered 
or  experienced  that  the  sections  lying  immediately  northward  of  the  main  body  of  the  White  Mountains  are 
filled  with  the  fairest  farming  villages,  the  most  fascinating  and  picturesque  scenery,  and  the  most  inviting  retreats 
for  over-wearied  mortals  needing  rest  and  recreation,  Whitefield  and  its  neighboring  community  establishments 
represent  a far  different  condition  of  things.  It  is  entirely  true  that  the  business  interests  of  this  little  township 
are  of  considerable  importance,  and  are  largely  in  excess  of  those  usually  found  in  connection  with  New  England 
little-town  life  ; and  the  place  derives  a peculiar  characterization  from  this  fact.  But  the  constituency  that  visits 
this  locality  having  regard  to  business  matters  alone  is  exceeding  small,  when  compared  with  that  larger  body 
of  the  interested  who  find  in  all  this  section  a summer  paradise  that  year  after  year  attracts  them,  as  the  woods  and 
lake  attract  the  sportsman,  or  the  ocean  the  sailor. 

Within  this  town  begins  the  Whitefield  & Jefferson  Branch  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  which  here 
leaves  the  main  line  and  runs  off  at  right  angles  in  a direct  easterly  course  to  a terminus  in  Jefferson.  By  an 
extension  of  this  Branch,  to  be  made  the  present  year,  a new  route  will  be  opened  to  the  Glen  House,  via 
Glen  Road,  by  which  passengers  from  New  York  can  reach  the  Glen  House  the  same  day,  and  which  will  afford 
a direct  route  from  Saratoga,  Rake  George,  Rake  Champlain,  and  the  Adirondacks.  At  the  intersection  of  this 
branch  with  the  main  line  the  railroad  lies  along  a steep,  almost  precipitous  bluff,  overlooking  finely  situated 
valley  lands  and  rural  scenes  suggestive  of  the  best  conditions  for  summering.  The  Whitefield  village  lies  in 
this  valley  about  a mile  below  the  railroad,  and,  as  the  illustration  facing  this  sketch  indicates,  is  dotted  in  the 
most  unconventional  and  picturesque  way  upon  the  gently  sloping  hillsides,  with  outlooks  upon  long-drawn 
mountain  ranges  and  a series  of  open  plains  forming  a grand  intervale  between.  The  scenery  all  the  way  along 
this  branch,  or  by  the  highway,  which  affords  a most  delightful  drive  from  Whitefield  to  Jefferson,  is  characterized 
by  a constant  succession  of  these  views,  plain  and  pasture  and  plateau  alternating  in  the  intervale  that  slopes 
away  so  broadly  from  the  mountain  bases. 

Nevertheless,  comparatively  few  people  who  visit  New  Hampshire  in  summer  fully  understand  the  advan- 
tages which  these  northern  sections  present  for  sojourning  or  residence  in  summer  time.  Within  the  full  view  of 
the  mountains  as  they  are, — almost  overshadowed  by  them,  in  fact,  — they  have  still  many  of  the  distinguishing 
features  of  the  valley  lands  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  State,  — fine  farms,  rural  and  rustic  surroundings  and 
belongings,  and  the  delightful  situations  that  render  New  England  village  life  so  attractive  to  the  summer-seeker. 
They  are  within  the  mountain  region,  and  yet  in  a certain  sense  not  of  it. 


IiAfiCASTEJ*. 


ANCASTER  is  one  of  the  famous  summer  resorts  of  Northern  New  Hampshire,  its  situation  and  character- 
istics  reminding  strongly  of  the  Bethlehem  site  farther  south  and  nearer  the  centre  of  the  White  Mountains. 
In  one  peculiarity,  however,  it  differs  from  that  celebrated  health  resort:  it  is  completely  surrounded  by 
mountains,  which  form  a natural  wall  not  at  all  contracted,  or  having  the  appearance  of  limiting  the  liberties  or 
dimensions  of  the  place,  but  rather  of  forming  a natural  barrier  within  easy  distance,  and  its  parts  arranged  in 
“ open  order,”  as  though  this  favored  and  enchanting  spot  had  been  set  apart  from  the  world  in  general,  and  its 
privacy  secured  by  provision  of  Dame  Nature  herself. 

Lancaster  is  the  shire  town  of  Coos  County,  a farming  and  lumbering  section  of  no  mean  pretensions.  Its 
topography  is  made  up  of  meado:/  and  table-lands  and  river  bottoms,  with  swelling  undulations  rising  into  hills 
environing,  from  which  the  most  enchanting  outlooks  are  to  be  obtained  in  many  directions.  Its  roads  and  drive- 
ways are  among  the  finest  in  the  State.  Israel’s  River,  coming  down  from  Cherry  Mountain,  flows  directly  through 
the  Lancaster  site  and  village,  uniting  with  the  Connecticut  River  within  the  territory  of  the  town,  and  affording 
excellent  water  power  for  various  manufacturing  enterprises  which  have  of  late  years  developed  here.  “Israel’s 
River”  the  early  settlers  of  the  section  called  it;  but  the  Indians,  following  their  invariable  custom  of  applying 
names  to  places  and  things  interpretive  of  their  qualities,  knew  the  stream  as  Singrawack,  or  “ the  Foaming  Stream 
of  the  White  Rock.” 

Lancaster  is  among  the  handsomest  villages  of  Northern  New  Hampshire,  having  beautiful  streets  bordered 
with  magnificent  old  elms,  dwellings  nicely  kept  and  of  modern  build,  and  public  institutions  scattered  throughout, 
indicating  the  presence  of  a New  England  community  in  the  forefront  of  the  civilization  of  the  region.  Here  Starr 
King  wrote  very  many  of  his  famous  descriptions  of  the  White  Mountains  and  their  surroundings  ; and  he  held 
the  place  in  the  highest  estimation  for  its  quiet,  peaceful  and  recreative  influences  as  well  as  for  the  surpassing 
beauty  of  its  scenery.  Of  it  he  says:  “In  the  combined  charm,  for  walks  or  rides,  of  meadow  and  river  — the 
charm,  not  of  wildness,  but  of  cheerful  brightness  and  beneficence  — Lancaster  is  unrivalled.”  This  is  high  praise, 
but  not  in  the  least  undeserved. 

Just  across  the  Connecticut  River,  and  within  the  State  of  Vermont,  lies  the  beautiful  town  of  Lunenburg,  the 
nearest  neighbor  of  Lancaster  on  the  west.  From  the  heights  of  Lunenburg  magnificent  views  southward  and 
westward  may  be  had,  and  these  heights  are  within  easy  distance  of  the  Lancaster  village.  The  Lancaster  out- 
looks are  upon  the  lordly  Presidential  Range  of  the  White  Mountains  in  the  southeast,  the  finely  tinted  Pilot 
Mountains  on  the  north,  with  Cherry  and  other  isolated  peaks  grandly  looming  within  the  circle  of  observation. 


DlXVmiiH  JSiOTCH. 


TSTLTHOUGH  Dixville  Notch  is  not  directly  upon  the  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad,  it  is  reached 
)/!±  readily  from  Lancaster,  where  connection  is  made  with  the  Maine  Central  Railroad,  and  thence  to  Cole- 
brook,  the  route  lying  through  some  of  the  most  beautiful  river  and  intervale  sections  in  the  State.  It 
may  be  said  in  passing  that  all  these  sections  traversed  in  reaching  Dixville  Notch  are  the  natural  home  of  the 
trout,  and  that  the  fishing  in  all  these  neighborhoods  is  excellent. 

The  land  of  the  township  out  of  which  Dixville  Notch  opens  was  once  owned  by  the  father  of  Governor  Dix  of 
New  York,  and  from  this  family  name  the  place  takes  its  title.  As  a situation  remarkable  for  the  character  of  its 
scenery  this  locality  takes  high  rank  among  the  natural  attractions  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the  Notch  has  been 
variously  described  by  numberless  writers  whose  pens  have  won  more  or  less  of  fame  in  similar  occupations.  Thus 
one  says : — The  Notch  is  not  a mountain  pass,  but  a wonderful  ravine  among  high  hills,  whose  impending  cliffs  are 
worn  and  broken  into  strange  forms  of  ruin  and  desolation.  At  Dixville  all  is  decay,  wreck;  the  hopeless  sub- 
mission of  matter  in  the  coil  of  its  hungry  foes.  Of  it  Theodore  Winship  has  written,  “The  Dixville  Notch  is, 
briefly,  picturesque  — a fine  gorge  between  a crumbling,  conical  crag  and  a scarped  precipice  — a place  easily 
defensible,  except  at  the  season  when  raspberries  would  distrait  the  sentinels.” 

The  grand  lookout  point  within  Dixville  Notch  is  Table  Rock,  reached  by  a stairway  of  stone  known  as  Jacob’s 
Ladder.  This  rock  is  561  feet  above  the  road,  2,450  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and  projects  167  feet,  its  sides 
being  ragged  and  serrated,  and  projecting  in  points  and  angles  in  all  parts.  From  the  top  of  this  rock  the  view 
embraces  a wide  sweep  of  country  — the  territory  of  Maine  and  Vermont,  with  a full  view  of  old  Monadnock  lying 
just  across  the  river  in  the  last-named  State,  portions  of  the  Dominion  provinces,  and  nearer  at  hand  the  entire 
panorama  of  the  Notch.  Above  Table  Rock  a pathway  leads  to  the  Ice  Cave,  where  in  a deep  chasm  snow  and  ice 
may  be  found  throughout  the  entire  year,  like  the  deposits  of  Tuckerman’s  Ravine  under  Mount  Washington.  The 
rock  formations  all  about  are  in  spires  and  pinnacles  and  ragged,  splintered  monumental  shafts,  each  of  which 
seems  to  vie  with  all  others  in  presenting  rugged  and  shattered  forms  in  ledge  and  individual  rock  deposits.  The 
Flume,  where  a brook  runs  through  a gorge  in  the  rock,  and  the  Cascades  are  picturesque  attractions,  and  in  the 
very  heart  of  the  Notch  there  is  a rustic  grove,  where  excursion  parties  rest  and  lunch. 


JEFFH^SOJSl. 


^JEFFERSON  is  one  of  the  earliest  settlements  of  the  White  Mountains,  receiving  its  first  community  of  whites 
QJ  as  long  ago  as  1765.  The  valley  and  meadows  of  Jefferson  occupy  territory  that  is  scooped  out  like  a gigantic 
saucer  between  lofty  mountains  for  miles  in  extent,  with  a fair  river  (Israel’s  River)  traversing  the  bottom 
of  the  hollow,  and  Jefferson  perched  upon  its  upper  rim  on  the  side  of  Mt.  Starr  King.  Starr  King  rises  2,400  feet 
above  the  river  and  3,800  feet  above  the  sea  on  the  north  of  the  valley.  On  the  south,  Cherry  Mountain,  which 
forms  the  other  boundary  of  the  valley,  rises  3 ,670  feet  above  the  sea.  The  road  through  the  valley  crossing  Cherry 
Mountain  is  the  oldest  highway  among  the  mountains.  Of  this  road  Rev.  T.  Starr  King  wrote  : “For  grandeur  and 

for  opportunities  of  studying  the  wildness  and  majesty  of  the  sovereign  range,  the  Cherry  Mountain  route  is  with- 
out a rival  in  New  Hampshire.”  In  riding  over  Jefferson  Meadows,  for  five  miles  of  the  distance  every  peak  in  the 
White  Mountains  chain  is  within  full  view,  with  Mt.  Washington  dominant  over  all. 

The  situation  of  Jefferson  is  very  like  that  of  Bethlehem,  and  the  place  has  the  same  characteristics  of  pure  air 
and  water,  exceeding  healthfulness,  and  immunity  from  and  curative  properties  for  certain  diseases  of  the  respi- 
ratory organs  that  characterize  that  famous  health  and  pleasure  resort.  Catarrhal  complaints  and  hay  fever  almost 
immediately  give  way  before  the  climatic  influences  of  this  place.  The  Jefferson  village  occupies  the  high  slopes 
of  Mt.  Starr  King,  along  which  its  street  runs  for  considerable  distance,  bordered  by  hotels  and  summer  boarding- 
houses for  the  whole  way,  for  ancient  Jefferson  has  become  a famous  summer  resort,  and  thousands  of  visitors 
now  yearly  claim  the  hospitality  and  entertainment  of  those  whose  enterprise  makes  temporary  homes  for  the 
strangers  and  pilgrims  in  this  charming  spot.  The  town  has  two  sections:  Jefferson  Hill,  referred  to  above,  and 
Jefferson  Highlands  and  Meadows,  the  latter  in  the  east  part  of  the  town.  Both  villages  are,  however,  a collection 
of  farms,  hotels  and  boarding-houses.  Jefferson  Hill  village  is  eight  miles  from  Lancaster,  twelve  miles  from  the 
Fabyan  House,  and  seventeen  miles  from  Gorham.  Unquestionably  the  views  from  this  village  are  the  finest  that 
are  to  be  had  from  any  community  establishment  in  the  mountains  region. 


TJ1E  TLUHSl  mOUflTAHSl. 


fHE  title,  or  heading,  under  which  this  writing  is  placed  is  here  used  more  particularly  with  reference  to  the 
mountains  of  that  name  ; but  ordinarily  when  it  is  heard  in  the  mountain  sections,  or  met  with  in  printed 
matter,  it  is  ten  to  one  that  it  refers  to  the  famous  hotel  known  as  the  “Twin  Mountain  House,”  which  the 
Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher  rendered  notorious  by  his  annual  visits  continued  through  a long  series  of  years,  his 
Sunday  services  there,  and  by  his  firm  belief  that  there  was  the  only  place  where  he  could  be  entirely  exempt  from 
the  attacks  of  hay-fever  in  its  season. 

The  Twin  Mountains  are  a pair  of  noble  elevations,  presenting  the  general  appearance  that  is  indicated  by  their 
name.  They  belong  to  the  Franconia  Range,  and  are  situated  well  to  the  eastward  of  Mount  Tafayette,  and  in  the 
direction  of  the  Crawford  Notch.  The  Twin  Mountain  House  is  on  a lofty  terrace  almost  overhanging  the  Ammo- 
noosuc  River,  and  about  five  miles  from  Fabyan’s.  The  Twin  Mountains  are  about  six  miles  southward  from  the 
Twin  Mountain  House,  and  are  reached  only  through  some  of  the  wildest,  most  primitive  and  difficult  situations  in 
the  region.  The  surrounding  forests  are  extremely  aged,  dense  and  rugged,  the  territory  broken  and  full  of 
obstacles,  so  that  it  is  only  by  hard  and  persistent  “roughing  it”  that  even  the  base  of  these  mountains  is  ap- 
proached, to  say  nothing  of  climbing  their  steep  and  craggy  sides.  They  are  about  five  thousand  feet  in  height,  and 
some  of  the  streams  which  finally  unite  and  form  the  Merrimack  River  may  be  traced  to  them.  Southward  from 
them,  and  beginning  at  their  bases  on  that  side,  are  the  great  wildernesses  of  the  Pemigewasset  sections,  stretching 
away  with  their  adjuncts  of  similar  characteristics  to  the  neighborhoods  of  the  Sandwich  Range. 

The  pair  of  peaks  in  full  view  from  the  Twin  Mountain  House,  and  apparently  just  opposite  that  hostelry,  do 
not  belong  to  the  mountains  above  referred  to,  but  are  in  reality  the  “Baby  Twins,”  so  called  — elevations  of  afar 
different  order,  and  much  nearer  the  Ammonoosuc  than  the  real  Twin  Mountains.  The  scenery  outspread  within 
view  from  the  Twin  Mountain  House  is  excedingly  varied  and  captivating,  embracing  the  wildest  and  most  im- 
pressive mountain  features,  contrasted  with  the  pastoral  and  valley  neighborhoods  of  the  Ammonoosuc  River,  visible 
for  miles  in  extent.  The  White  Mountains  Branch  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  follows  closely  the  myriad 
windings  and  turnings  of  this  river  for  its  entire  length,  and  lies  along  one  or  the  other  of  its  banks  for  the  whole 
way  from  Fabyan’s  to  its  junction  with  the  Connecticut  River  at  Woodsville.  The  lower  falls  of  the  Ammonoosuc 
are  about  half-way  between  the  Twin  Mountain  House  and  Fabyan’s. 


BETHliEHEJVI  — UflDEI*  TJ-lE  EliCQS. 


BETHLEHEM  is  a rambling  old  township,  extending  irregularly  in  unexpected  directions.  The  Mount  Pleasant 
House,  situated  on  the  line  of  railroad  between  the  Crawford  House  and  the  Fabyan  House,  is  in  Bethlehem  ; 
but  the  Fabyan  is  not.  North,  east  and  west  from  the  Bethlehem  village  and  Maplewood  the  driveways  are 
abundant  and  of  surpassing  attractiveness.  The  trout  streams  of  the  Bethlehem  neighborhoods  are  sufficiently 
numerous  to  tempt  enthusiastic  anglers. 

A chief  attraction  of  Bethlehem  will  always  be  found  in  its  healthfulness  — the  positive  recreative  qualities  of 
its  air  and  sunshine,  especially  in  catarrhal  and  bronchial  affections,  hay-fever  and  the  like.  From  the  mountains 
and  hillsides  flow  numberless  springs  of  the  purest  water,  having  remarkable  curative  properties  inseparably  con- 
nected with  their  purity.  With  pure  air,  pure  water,  and  pure  sunlight,  this  place  may  well  be  said  to  possess  a 
beneficent  star  of  attraction,  like  that  other  Bethlehem  of  which  the  world  has  taken  note. 

Bethlehem  has  grown  to  its  present  proportions  within  the  last  two  decades.  Its  single  thoroughfare,  which 
everybody  who  has  ever  been  there  knows  as  “the  street,’’  is  broad  and  well-built,  and  skirted  on  both  sides  within 
the  limits  of  the  village  with  hotels,  boarding-houses  and  summer  dwellings.  Shade  trees  abound  on  every  hand, 
as  seen  in  the  picture  facing  this  writing.  The  place  receives  its  name  from  the  fact  that  it  was  originally  peopled 
by  settlers  of  the  Bethlemite  religious  sect,  who  formed  here  a church  which  still  exists. 

Eastward  of  the  village,  and  distant  a mile  or  such  a matter  from  its  limits,  is  the  Maplewood  Hotel  establish- 
ment, a princely  collection  of  buildings  under  one  management,  and  forming  a little  hamlet  of  itself,  as  is  often  the 
case  with  the  larger  caravansaries  of  the  White  Mountains  region.  While  many  of  the  White  Mountains  hotels  are 
situated  in  the  very  midst  of  the  mountains,  and  some  of  them  are  fairly  enclosed  thereby,  Maplewood  is  on  a broad 
undulating  plain,  with  mountains  all  around  more  or  less  distant,  so  that  the  horizon  on  every  hand  seen  from  this 
section  of  Bethlehem  presents  a great  natural  wall,  magnificent  beyond  description. 

The  outlooks  from  Bethlehem  are  over  miles  in  extent  of  territory,  and  include  nearly  all  the  famous  peaks  of 
the  White  and  Franconia  Ranges.  From  the  neighborhood  of  Maplewood,  one  looking  across  the  valley  of  the 
Ammonoosuc  can  see  in  a clear  day  the  Stratford  Hills,  forty  miles  away  in  Vermont,  and  also  the  Green  Mountains 
in  the  same  State. 


fiETHliEHEJVI. 


BETHLEHEM  enjoys  the  distinction  of  occupying  the  most  exalted  height  (1,450  feet)  of  any  village  in  New 
England.  It  is  reached  by  a little  spur  of  the  Franconia  Notch  Railway,  which  leaves  the  White  Mountains 
Division  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  at  Bethlehem  Junction  for  the  service  of  this  place,  about  three 
miles  distant.  The  village  occupies  a broadened  ridge,  and  its  outlooks  are  across  the  valley  of  the  Ammonoosuc,  of 
mountain  peaks  far  distant,  many  of  which  are  among  the  most  celebrated  of  the  region,  and  upon  other  mountain 
elevations  nearer  by,  the  nearest  of  which  is  Mt.  Agassiz,  at  the  foot  of  which  Bethlehem  may  be  said  to  lie. 

The  distinguishing  feature  of  Bethlehem  and  its  neighborhoods  is  its  quality  as  a natural  sanitarium.  While 
all  the  community  centres  in  this  part  of  New  Hampshire  territory  that  rejoice  in  being  situated  upon  elevations  far 
above  the  level  of  the  sea  — as  Jefferson,  Eaneaster,  the  Twin  Mountain  establishment,  etc.  are  largely  free  from 
that  distressing  summer  complaint,  hay  fever,  Bethlehem  most  nearly  enjoys  complete  immunity  from  it. 

But  it  is  by  no  means  solely  on  account  of  its  health  advantages  that  Bethlehem  has  thus  become  a summer 
centre.  It  is  one  of  the  prettiest  villages  in  the  world,  and  its  site  is  unrivalled  for  fascination  and  beauty  of  natural 
surroundings.  Its  elevated  plateau  slopes  very  gradually  away  northward  and  eastward  to  the  bottom  of  the  valley 
through  which  the  Ammonoosuc,  busiest  of  mountain  streams,  flows  brightly  to  its  union  with  the  Connecticut. 
Away  beyond  this  river  the  rising  uplands  climb  slowly  again  to  a similar  level,  and  then  pass  far  beyond  it  into 
stupendous  mountain  heights,  that  appear  clean  cut  and  fairly  pictured  against  the  sky  and  horizon  from  the 
Bethlehem  eyrie.  On  the  south  lies  Franconia,  and  ten  miles  away  is  the  northern  opening  of  its  celebrated 
Notch  with  Lafayette  and  Garfield  and  their  associated  peaks  grandly  looming.  Five  miles  away,  on  the  Ammo- 
noosuc is  busy  Littleton,  lodged  on  the  terrace  overhanging  the  river.  Sugar  Hill,  with  its  magnificent  outlooks, 
lies  westward  seven  and  a half  miles.  The  Presidential  Range  stands  fairly  outlined  directly  111  the  east.  «e 
nearest  link  of  its  chain  being  distant  fifteen  miles  from  the  Bethlehem  standpoint.  The  Appalachian  Clu 
authorities  pronounce  this  view  of  the  Presidential  Range  the  very  best  with  regard  to  obtaining  an  idea  of  the 
mountains  in  their  true  relations  to  each  other  as  to  height,  proportions,  shape,  etc. 

To  all  these  points  excellent  driveways  extend ; indeed,  the  facilities  for  driving  excursions  are  in  greater 
variety  and  number  above  Bethlehem  than  at  almost  any  other  point  in  the  mountains.  The  Hay  Fever  Associa- 
tion has  its  headquarters  here.  Here  also  is  a coaching  club,  and  it  is  estimated  that  there  are  often  from  ten 
thousand  to  fifteen  thousand  persons  in  Bethlehem  in  one  season,  who  remain  as  sojourners  for  days,  and  many 
of  them  for  weeks,  together.  The  forest  growths  about  the  place  are  broad  and  inviting. 


mOUftT  PLiEASAHT. 


fHE  main  line  of  the  railroad  through  the  White  Mountains  section  runs  from  the  gateway  of  the  Crawford 
Notch  to  Fabyan’s,  a distance  of  not  far  from  four  miles.  After  leaving  the  little  plateau  which  opens  fan-like 
from  the  gateway  afore-mentioned,  and  upon  the  easterly  side  of  which  stands  the  Crawford  House  establish- 
ment, this  line  follows  the  bases  of  a semi-mountain  range  on  the  left  hand  side  going  towards  Fabyan’s,  while  on 
the  right  hand  side  is  outspread  the  broad  basin  or  wooded  intervale  lying  between  these  bases  and  the  Presidential 
Range,  and  through  the  midst  of  which  runs  the  branch  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad  leading  from 
Fabyan’s  to  the  base  of  Mount  Washington.  This  natural  basin  or  intervale  is  from  four  to  five  miles  across  from 
Fabyan’s  to  Mount  Washington,  and  is  apparently  nearly  circular  in  shape. 

Within  a half-mile  of  Fabyan’s,  on  the  main  line  of  railroad  above  referred  to,  is  the  Mount  Pleasant  House, 
lying,  like  Fabyan’s,  over  against  the  Presidential  Range  and  the  mighty  peaks  adjacent,  and  forming  one  of  the 
quintette  of  famous  hotels  for  many  years  within  the  enterprise  of  the  Barron  family.  From  both  Fabyan’s  and 
the  Mount  Pleasant  House  fine  views  of  the  Presidential  Range  from  base  to  summit  of  its  members  are  to  be  had, 
while  some  neighboring  mountains  are  also  within  the  scene,  the  whole  presenting  a gigantic  mountain  wall,  sym- 
metrical and  comparatively  near  at  hand,  such  as  is  not  to  be  looked  upon  elsewhere  from  similar  standpoints  on 

the  face  of  the  earth.  _ . 

One  of  these  lofty  peaks,  neighboring  to  those  of  the  Presidential  Range,  is  that  of  Mount  Pleasant  (giving  name 
to  the  hotel  just  above-mentioned).  From  Mount  Webster,  forming  the  eastern  wall  of  the  Crawford  Notch,  to  its 
head,  the  order  of  the  line  of  peaks  to  Mount  Washington  is  as  follows:  Webster,  Clinton,  Pleasant,  Franklin, 
Monroe,  Washington.  Mounts  Franklin  and  Monroe  belong  to  the  Presidential  Range,  of  which  Mount  Washington 
is  the  centre  and  chief,  Mounts  Clay,  Jefferson  and  Adams,  continuing  the  line  northward,  being  its  remaining 
members. 

Among  these  elevations  Mount  Pleasant  takes  place  a full  peer,  and  sometimes  indeed  appears  to  be  a king,  as 
from  some  standpoints  it  towers  considerably  above  all  others,  even  Mount  Washington  itself,  as,  for  instance,  from 
the  head  of  Beecher’s  Falls,  near  the  Crawford  House.  It  is  a smoothly  rounded,  evenly  proportioned  summit, 
fair  to  look  upon  and  attractive  in  all  its  features  as  its  name  indicates,  and  overlooks  the  valley  from  the  verge  of 
which  it  rises,  not  the  least  impressive  of  the  mighty  sentinels  there  posted. 


TfiE  flmmofioosuc. 


E|^ROM  the  Crawford  House,  at  the  head  of  the  Crawford  Notch,  there  is  a footpath,  much  used  by  venture- 
g some  travellers,  leading  to  the  summit  of  Mount  Washington.  This  pathway  runs  over  Mount  Clinton, 
along  the  crest  of  the  bare  and  rocky  ledge  between  Mount  Clinton  and  Mount  Pleasant,  thence  around  the 
peak  of  Mount  Pleasant,  then  through  the  Ammonoosuc  Valley  and  up  Mount  Franklin,  from  thence  to  Mount 
Monroe.  Between  Mount  Monroe  and  Mount  Washington  there  is  a valley-like  depression ; and  in  the  midst  of 
this,  about  one  and  a half  miles  southward  from  the  peak  of  Washington,  are  two  diminutive  lakelets  — the  “Take 
of  the  Clouds  ” and  “ Star  Take,’’  deep  reservoirs  filled  with  crystal  mountain  water.  These  lakelets  outpour  their 
superfluous  water  down  the  mountain-side  to  the  west,  the  stream  thus  caused  being  known  as  the  Ammonoosuc 
River. 

From  beginning  to  end  of  its  course  the  Ammonoosuc  is  a tumbling,  brawling,  rapid  stream.  Three  miles  down 
the  side  of  Mount  Washington  from  the  summit,  measuring  the  distance  by  the  line  of  the  Mount  Washington  Rail- 
way, lies  the  little  hamlet  of  Ammonoosuc,  or  Marshfield,  the  rendezvous  of  lumbermen  in  the  winter,  and  trout 
fishermen  in  the  summer  time.  This  place  is  distant  from  Fabyan’s  about  six  miles.  The  mountain  railway  has 
its  terminus  not  far  below  it;  and  near  at  hand  the  Ammonoosuc  infant  stream  rushes  through  clefts  and  tumbles 
over  bowlders  and  ledges,  making  the  picturesque  “ Upper  Ammonoosuc  Falls,”  so  well  known  to  visitors  to  this 
part  of  the  mountains,  and  one  of  the  most  beautiful  bits  of  natural  scenery  in  the  world.  This  river  in  all  this 
section,  and  the  little  streams  feeding  it  as  it  descends,  has  always  been  noted  for  its  trout,  and  is  perhaps  one  of 
the  most  assiduously  fished  streams  of  the  country.  Crossing  the  intervale  between  the  Presidential  Range  and 
Fabyan’s,  and  being  joined  in  the  latter  neighborhood  by  the  little  stream  that  flows  out  of  Take  Ammonoosuc, 
near  the  Crawford  House,  it  flows  more  quietly  than  before,  but  still  retains  enough  of  ripple  and  dash  to  illustrate 
its  characteristics  as  a native  mountain  river.  Not  far  westward  from  Fabyan’s,  or  about  half-way  between  that 
hostelry  and  the  Twin  Mountain  House,  it  takes  another  tumble,  and  descends  rapidly  for  considerably  distance 
over  a rocky  bed,  confined  within  narrow  and  crooked  limits.  This  descent  is  known  as  the  “ Tower  Falls  ” of  the 
Ammonoosuc,  once  exceedingly  beautiful,  but  now  the  site  of  a saw  mill  establishment.  From  this  point  to  its 
union  with  the  Connecticut,  the  Ammonoosuc  has  sufficient  description  in  other  pages  of  this  booklet. 


IVIOUfiT  MSHiriGTOfi. 


THHE  Concord  & Montreal  has  the  only  line  of  railroad  running  into  the  base  of  Mount  Washington.  This 
J®  is  a branch  or  spur  which,  leaving  the  main  line  of  the  Concord  & Montreal  at  Fabyan’s,  traverses  the 
intervening  lowlands  between  this  station  and  the  foot  of  the  Presidential  Range,  a distance  of  about  four 
miles,  finding  a terminus  at  Ammonoosuc  station,  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Washington,  a point  of  itself  2,668  feet 
above  the  sea.  Mount  Washington,  the  highest  of  the  New  Hampshire  mountains,  is  6,293  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea.  Of  the  views  from  its  summit,  and  the  outlooks  afforded  while  climbing  its  steep  and  dangerous  sides, 
volumes  have  been  written,  and  the  wonders  and  perils  incident  to  the  summit  of  this  lord  of  the  ranges  have  been 
recounted  in  every  land  and  tongue. 

To  ascend  Mount  Washington  is  a feat  of  great  difficulty  at  best,  and  not  unattended  with  risk  of  life  and  limb, 
so  far  at  least  as  the  bridle  and  foot  paths  leading  to  the  summit  are  concerned.  The  number  of  these  pathways  is 
limited.  There  is  one  from  the  Crawford  House,  at  the  head  of  Crawford  Notch,  requiring  a toilsome  ascent  of 
twelve  miles  and  a whole  day  for  its  pursuing.  There  is  another  from  Fabyan’s ; and  from  the  east  of  the  range  the 
ascent  is  made  from  the  Glen  by  stage  and  six  horse  team. 

But  of  late  years,  or  since  1869,  the  ascent  of  Washington  has  been  usually  made  by  the  famous  cog  railway,  the 
invention  of  Mr.  Sylvester  Marsh,  of  which  there  are  only  three  in  existence  in  the  world.  Within  the  past  twenty 
years  thousands  of  passengers  have  been  annually  taken  up  and  down  the  mountain  by  this  railway,  and  never  an 
accident  of  any  kind  by  which  one  of  them  was  injured  has  taken  place.  The  Concord  & Montreal  trains  over  the 
branch  line  from  Fabyan’s  to  the  Base  connect  directly  with  the  trains  of  the  mountain  railroad. 

From  the  station  at  the  base  the  cog  railroad  ascends  to  the  summit  of  Washington  in  a line  a little  more  than 
three  miles  in  length.  Within  this  three  miles  the  track  rises  3,625  feet,  or  with  an  average  grade  of  one  foot  in 
every  four  and  a third  feet,  and  a maximum  grade  of  one  foot  in  every  two  and  two-thirds  feet,  equal  to  a rise  of 
1,980  feet  to  the  mile.  The  track  is  laid  upon  heavy  sleepers  and  trestles,  and  has  three  rails,  the  centre  being  the 
heavily  notched  iron  rail  into  which  the  cog-wheel  of  the  locomotive  plays,  securing  the  movement  of  the  train.  In 
making  the  ascent  the  passenger  coaches  are  pushed  before  the  locomotive  ; and  the  safety  appliances  for  securing 
the  stoppage  of  the  train,  should  any  accident  threaten,  are  so  many  and  various  that  disaster  would  be  impossible 
under  any  circumstances. 


THE  C^ALUFO^D. 


^jvTANDING  upon  the  piazza  of  the  Crawford  House,  and  looking  out  over  the  plain  which  slopes  gradually 
from  the  apex  of  the  water  shed,  the  view  is  grand  indeed.  The  situation  is  as  though  one  were  within 
a vast  fortress,  with  sky-high  walls  crowned  with  battlements  and  great  rock  towers.  The  hotel  itself  and  the 
railroad  are  the  only  artificial  elements  entering  into  the  picture ; and  these  are  so  grandly  overshadowed  by  the 
natural  features,  and  the  entire  absence  of  the  turmoil  and  tumult  of  ordinary,  every-day  life  is  so  apparent,  as  to 
render  the  place  to  the  weary,  overworked  fugitive  from  busy  life  what  the  city  of  refuge  was  to  the  over-sinful  of 
olden  times. 

Here  are  neither  farms  nor  factories,  marts,  barns,  nor  storehouses.  Here  are  neither  village  nor  hamlet,  nor 
any  of  the  manifestations  of  the  jurisdiction  of  man  by  which  he  usually  manifests  his  controlling  influence.  Not  a 
touch,  even  of  the  artist’s  finger,  has  been  placed  anywhere  upon  these  everlasting  hills  to  mark  man’s  conceit  and 
his  conception  of  his  supremacy  over  nature.  Here  are  entire  rest  and  quiet. 

In  ancient  times,  close  down  by  that  marvellous  gateway  of  the  Notch,  more  magnificent  and  far  grander  than 
any  that  monarch  or  potentate  ever  constructed,  ‘ ‘ Tom  ’ ’ Crawford  set  up  his  hostelry  — a genuine  Y ankee  home  for 
travellers.  This  ancient  Crawford  House  then  stood  looking  into  the  Notch,  the  gate  of  which  was  then  just  as 
Nature  made  it,  but  little  more  than  twenty  feet  in  width,  and  frowning  on  both  sides  like  the  bastions  of  an-  exag- 
gerated castle.  It  has  not,  indeed,  changed  essentially  since. 

Of  the  enclosure  in  front  of  the  present  Crawford  House,  Saco  Lake  is  a beautiful  feature  ; and  from  this  lake 
the  Saco  River  takes  its  rise.  This  lake  is  much  larger  than  formerly,  but  even  now  is  hardly  more  than  twice  the 
size  of  the  pond  on  Boston  Common.  However,  its  dimensions  are  as  ample  in  proportion  as  any  other  department 
of  the  view  within  this  mountain  enclosure.  Two  figures  would  nearly  tell  the  acreage  of  all  the  land  outspread  in 
this  plain:  yet  from  its  boundaries  upstart  some  of  the  finest  elevations  of  the  mountain  region.  Mount  Webster 
o’erhangs  the  Notch  gate,  and  forms  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  Notch  itself.  Mount  Willard  uprises  from  the 
western  and  southern  sides  of  this  little  plain,  standing  over  against  Mount  Webster,  and  filling  the  whole  head  of 
the  Notch.  There  is  no  finer  view  on  the  mountains  than  that  from  the  summit  of  Willard,  revealing  every  part  of 
the  Notch  and  its  surroundings.  From  the  grounds  near  the  Crawford  House  the  “ Crawford  Path,”  the  first  bridle 
path  ever  opened  to  the  summit  of  Mount  Washington,  begins.  Tourists  via  the  Concord  & Montreal  Railroad 
reach  the  Crawford  House  via  Fabyan,  where  connection  is  made  with  the  Maine  Central  Railroad. 


